The Major League Baseball season is winding down, and votes for major awards must be cast before the playoffs begin. As the spotlight narrows in on the top performers of the year, the achievements of several standout players and unexpected team performances have dominated the conversation.
Aaron Judge's Dominance
At the heart of this season's discussions is Aaron Judge, who is leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. Judge's statistical output is nothing short of monstrous, with a batting line of .324/.460/.703 (224 OPS+), 57 home runs, 142 RBI, and 120 runs scored. Additionally, his 10.6 WAR underscores his unparalleled value on the field. Judge has also demonstrated his versatility by playing out of position in center field for most of the season and has shown skill on the base paths with 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation, has also had a remarkable season, boasting a .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+) line, with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, and 130 runs scored. Ohtani’s 8.6 WAR highlights his significant all-around impact. His achievement of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season is a testament to his unique blend of power and speed.
Pitching Prowess
On the mound, Tarik Skubal’s performance has set the bar high with an 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings. Leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, Skubal has emerged as a formidable force. Chris Sale has also had a commendable season with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Despite not receiving a Cy Young vote since 2018, Sale's previous accolades—finishing second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in Cy Young voting—illustrate his long-standing prowess.
Zack Wheeler’s contribution can't be overlooked either. With a 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings, Wheeler has solidified himself as a key player in discussions for pitching accolades this season.
Improbable Success Stories
The Cleveland Guardians have defied early expectations. Initially projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79 and positioned in third place in the AL Central, the Guardians have only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. This success comes despite the loss of Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and underwhelming seasons from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen. Reflecting on their performance, one observer noted, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League."
The Milwaukee Brewers have also showcased resilience. They have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29 and are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. This accomplishment is noteworthy given that manager Craig Counsell departed for the Chicago Cubs last winter, Brandon Woodruff was lost for the 2024 season, and Corbin Burnes was traded to the Orioles in spring training. Moreover, they have had to cope with significant injuries to key players like Devin Williams and Christian Yelich, whose season ended in July. Yet, the Brewers' ability to maintain their dominance under new leadership prompted one insider to comment, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
The Awards Season
As for the upcoming awards, predictions abound, though the actual voting remains a closely guarded secret. One voter emphasized, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." The speculative nature of the award season is further highlighted by the cautious stance of voters, with one noting, "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."
In conclusion, while the statistics and performances provide a glimpse into who might take home the hardware, the final decisions are awaited with bated breath. The culmination of this captivating season will surely keep fans and analysts engaged until the very last pitch of the World Series.