Awards Season: Your Complete Guide

The postseason ended. And that means awards season has arrived.

Every November, after things calm down after seven months of baseball, the sport takes time to review what happened and recognize the best of the season. Who will win the awards in 2021? Here’s a look at all the prizes to be awarded.

Sunday, November 7: Rawlings Gold Gloves
Sunday, 8:30 pm ET on ESPN
If you like good defense, this is the night for you. The 54 finalists – three for each position in each league – were announced Thursday. A key question to follow this year is whether Puerto Rican Yadier Molina of the Cardinals will win his 10th Gold Glove, which he would tie Johnny Bench for second all-time.

Monday, November 8: Executive of the Year
This honor will be announced during the General Managers Meetings, which will take place in Carlsbad, California from November 8-11. Voting was completed before the start of the postseason.

Monday, November 8: Finalists Announced for BBWWA Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
As has been done in recent years, the North American Baseball Writers Association (BBWAA) will unveil its award finalists: Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player. A week later, the winners will be announced.

Tuesday, November 9: Hank Aaron Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
This award is presented annually to the best offensive producer in each league. In the American League, Shohei Ohtani and the Dominican Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stand out, while in the Old Circuit, two Quisqueyanos, Juan José Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr., look like the favorites. The award will have a special meaning this year, following Aaron’s death on January 22.

Wednesday, Nov. 10: All-MLB Team Finalists Announced
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
This is the third year for the All MLB Team, which was first introduced in 2019 to recognize players for their contributions throughout the season, as All-Star selections are based on first-half performances. Once the finalists are revealed, fans will be able to vote on LasMayores.com to help select the first and second teams.

Wednesday, November 10: Rivera / Hoffman Reliever of the Year Awards
7 p.m. ET on MLB Network
Since 2014, the best reliever in the AL and the National have been awarded the awards named after two closers of the Hall of Fame, the Panamanian Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, respectively. In 2020, the winners were Liam Hendriks and Devin Williams.

Thursday, November 11: Silver Bats
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
Every year since 1980, the best offensive player at each position in both leagues has received the Silver Bat Award, based on voting from MLB managers and coaches.

Friday, November 12: Platinum Glove and Defensive Team Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
All Gold Glove winners are eligible for the Platinum Glove, which is received by the best overall defender in each league. Since the award debuted in 2011, defenders at third base have taken nine of a possible 20.

Monday, November 15: BBWAA Rookie of the Year Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
The BBWAA will begin its awards week celebrating the best rookies of 2021. An interesting battle this year could be that of two teammates on the Rays, Cuban Randy Arozarena and Dominican Wander Franco.

Tuesday, November 16: BBWAA Manager of the Year Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
The Rays ‘Kevin Cash could repeat, but the Astros’ Dusty Baker – who has won him three times – looks like a possible tough opponent. In the National League, the big favorite is Gabe Kapler, whose Giants won 107 games and dethroned the Dodgers in the Western Division.

Wednesday, November 17: BBWAA Cy Young Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
Max Scherzer could be the fifth pitcher to win four Cy Young Awards (joining Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton and Greg Maddux), but he will first have to overcome rivals like teammate Walker Buehler, plus others like Corbin Burnes. of the Brewers. In the American League, can Gerrit Cole end the drought for the Yankees? Clemens (2001) is the only Yankee to win the award since 1978. Cole could join him if he defeats Robbie Ray of the Blue Jays, among others.

Thursday, November 18: BBWAA Most Valuable Player Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
What does “most valuable” mean? That is the debate of all the years here. Historically, but not always, MVPs come from winning teams, but there is a very good chance that none of the 2021 winners made the postseason. In any case, the years of Shohei Ohtani of the Angels, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays, Bryce Harper of the Phillies and Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Padres are hard to ignore, even if their teams fall short. Ohtani, in particular, will be the center of attention as he seeks to close out an unprecedented season as a pitcher and hitter with the MVP award.

Friday, November 19: Heart & Hustle Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network (during MLB Tonight)
This award is presented by the “MLB Players Alumni Association” and is decided by a vote of former and active players. It is awarded to the active baseball player who “demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.”

Monday, November 22: MLB Comeback of the Year Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network (during MLB Tonight)
One player in every league is recognized for overcoming some type of adversity and returning to the game producing at a high level. Two key names here are Trey Mancini of the Orioles and Buster Posey of the Giants.

Tuesday, November 23: All MLB Team
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
Watch up.

Monday, November 29: BD Exceptional Edgar Martínez Award
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network (during MLB Tonight)
The best designated hitter of the year has been recognized annually since 1973, when the position was added. Since 2004, it has been named after the Puerto Rican and Hall of Famer Edgar Martínez. The Dominican Nelson Cruz has won it twice (2017, 2019) and could be a candidate in 2021, although it will not be easy against Shohei Ohtani.