With the trade deadline in our rearview mirror, we can now look forward to what should be the last two months of the regular season filled with drama, not just in the playoff races around LA. MLBbut also in individual prize battles.
Some of the major award runs of the American Baseball Writers Association (Mvp, Cy young Y Rookie of the Year) seemed like early conclusions as recently as last month, but a lot has changed since the All-Star break.
At this point, all six races are still up for grabs, and a large field of worthy challengers is competing for glory. Here are the current favorites (the players who would likely win if the season ended today) for MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in both the American League and the National League.
Favorite American League MVP: Shohei ohtani (Anaheim Angels) LD / DH
Ohtani’s performance is unprecedented in National League / National League history. The 27-year-old would have a solid MVP case even without factoring in his contributions to the mound, as he leads the majors in home runs (37) and total bases (240) while producing a 1,039 OPS with 15 steals. The fact that he did all of that while adding 80 innings of 3.04 ERA with 100 strikeouts as a pitcher takes his season from simply great to legendary.
Favorite National League MVP: Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres) SS
With Ronald Acuña Jr. out of the season due to an ACL tear, Tatis had a chance to flee with this award, but was placed in the 10-day IL on Saturday after he returned. his left shoulder was injured. If he returns quickly, Tatis could become the fourth player in the modern era (since 1900) to lead his league in home runs and steals. He also currently ranks first in the National League in runs scored, slugging and OPS.
Favorite Cy Young American League: Lance Lynn (Chicago White Sox) RHP
After consecutively finishing in the top six Cy Young in the American League with the Rangers, Lynn is serving up another fantastic season in his first year with the White Sox, posting the lowest ERA among pitchers rated 2.07, nearly a half career more. lower than the next closest AL arm. The bigger question is whether the two weeks he missed due to a strained right upper arm will end up costing him, considering he currently ranks outside of the league’s top 10 in innings and strikeouts.
Favorite Cy Young National League: Zack wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies) RHP
Sarah Langs of MLB.com recently discussed Wheeler’s strong case for the NL Cy Young Award. The 31-year-old not only leads the majors in innings (139 2/3) and the National League in strikeouts (165), but he also owns a 2.45 ERA.
Favorite American League Rookie of the Year: Adolis Garcia (Texas Rangers) OF
A 28-year-old rookie, Garcia has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Rangers in 2021. He has a chance to become the 10th rookie to hit the 30-homer mark this century.
Favorite National League Rookie of the Year: Trevor rogers (Miami Marlins) LZ
Rogers may drop out of NL Cy Young contention, but he’s the favorite to win the league’s Rookie of the Year award.
Thomas Harrigan / MLB.com
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