The major league baseball regular season is drawing to a close, and the run-up to the playoffs comes with a final push in the race for individual accolades. As usual, the votes for major awards must be cast before the postseason kicks off, with winners set to be revealed after the World Series. This year, several players have emerged as strong candidates, making the discussion both lively and speculative.
Aaron Judge's Stellar Season
Leading the charge in multiple offensive categories, Aaron Judge has captivated fans and analysts alike. Judge is at the top of the charts in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. His stat line reads .324/.460/.703, translating to a monumental 224 OPS+. With 57 home runs, 142 RBI, and 120 runs, he has undoubtedly made a compelling case for MVP. Adding to his versatility, Judge has stolen 10 bases in 10 attempts and played out of position in center field for most of the season, showcasing exceptional athleticism.
Shohei Ohtani and His Dual Threat
Shohei Ohtani adds another dimension to the MVP debate with his unique dual-threat capabilities. Ohtani has achieved a rare 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, compiling a .303/.386/.642 stat line and a remarkable 187 OPS+. His contributions include 53 home runs, 125 RBI, and 130 runs, along with 56 stolen bases. Ohtani’s "WAR" stands at 8.6, demonstrating his immense value to his team. The Ohtani-Judge MVP debate could be one for the ages, with each bringing a distinctive set of skills to the table.
Pitching Dominance in the AL
On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal has been a standout performer. With an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings, Skubal leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Commenting on Skubal’s incredible season, one analyst said, "Kudos to Emmanuel Clase for an absolutely top-shelf relief season, and if Skubal didn't exist this season in the AL, I would have been ready to make the argument for a reliever."
However, Chris Sale is also in the mix with an 18-3 record, a slightly lower ERA at 2.38, and 225 strikeouts over 177 2/3 innings. Remarkably, Sale has not received a Cy Young vote since 2018 but has an extensive history of being a top contender, finishing in various top spots in past years. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler also makes a strong case, boasting a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings.
Cleveland Guardians Defy Expectations
The Cleveland Guardians have been one of the most surprising teams this season. Initially projected to finish around .500, with a gambling win total set at 79, the Guardians have defied expectations. Despite losing ace Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and seeing underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, they are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League," reflects the improbable nature of their success.
Milwaukee Brewers' Unlikely Resilience
Equally intriguing is the story of the Milwaukee Brewers, who have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29. On track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team, their resilience despite significant setbacks illustrates a narrative of internal strength. They lost Brandon Woodruff for the season, saw Corbin Burnes traded to the Orioles, and Devin Williams and Christian Yelich also succumb to injuries. Yet, they continue to lead their division comfortably. According to an insider, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
The Speculative Nature of Awards
As the awards season approaches, the debates intensify. One voter, while speculating on the likely winners, cautioned, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." They added, "I'm an actual voter and any prediction might be perceived as a hint as to which way I'm leaning. I will say, though, it's close enough that I do not yet know for sure how I'm voting." The uncertainty and speculation add another layer of excitement as fans and analysts await the final announcements post-World Series.
The 2024 MLB season has been filled with record-breaking performances, unexpected team successes, and fierce competition for individual awards. As votes are tallied and the playoffs loom, the baseball world is eager to see who will emerge with top honors. The narratives from this season will undoubtedly provide material for discussions long into the offseason.