As we inch closer to the end of the MLB season, the race for individual awards is heating up. While some awards seem all but decided, others remain a thrilling competition. In this edition of the Diamond Chronicles, we take a closer look at our predictions for the September awards in both the American League and the National League.
American League
MVP: Shohei Ohtani
When it comes to the American League MVP race, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest – Shohei Ohtani. He has showcased an unprecedented blend of hitting and pitching that has left fans and analysts in awe. Even if Ohtani were to sit out the entire second half of the season, he'd probably still have this award locked up.
Ohtani's season has been nothing short of remarkable. He was having his best season as both a hitter and pitcher before hurting his elbow recently. Unfortunately, Tommy John surgery may cost him some money this offseason, but the prospect of him leaving the Angels and joining a team that can take him to the postseason is an exciting one.
In all honesty, words fall short of describing the incredible player that Ohtani is. He is truly one of a kind and needs to be appreciated
Cy Young: Gerrit Cole
Gerrit Cole has been the undeniable ace of the New York Yankees this season. His performance in pinstripes has lived up to the enormous contract he signed. While his strikeouts per nine innings are slightly lower than in previous years, 9.8 is still highly impressive.
Cole leads the league in numerous critical categories such as starts, ERA, innings pitched, WAR, and ERA+. When it comes to the Cy Young, the two most essential statistics are ERA and innings pitched, and Cole has excelled in both areas.
Despite a 13-4 record, Cole would likely have even more wins if he received better run support. His consistency is underlined by his 22 starts in which he allowed two or fewer runs, a feat unmatched in MLB.
The competition for the Cy Young has faced some hiccups recently, with contenders like Eovaldi and Gray taking steps back. Gausman and Castillo haven't been as dominant or dependable as Cole, making his case even stronger.
Rookie of the Year: Gunnar Henderson
The AL Rookie of the Year race is a tight one, with deserving candidates like Tanner Bibee and Triston Casas putting up strong performances. However, Gunnar Henderson edges ahead on our hypothetical ballots as Henderson's contributions have been instrumental in the success of the Baltimore Orioles, arguably the best team in the AL.
Bibee boasts an impressive stat line with a 10-3 record, 3.05 ERA, and 129.2 innings pitched, earning a 3.0 rWAR. Meanwhile, Triston Casas has shown his potential with a .268 batting average, .868 OPS, and 60 RBIs, contributing a 2.0 rWAR.
Gunnar Henderson's stat line includes 128 games played, a .251 batting average, a .802 OPS, 70 RBIs, and a solid 4.7 rWAR. The Orioles seem poised to have strong contenders for this award for the next few years, thanks to players like Henderson.
National League
MVP: Ronald Acuña
In the National League MVP race, the competition is fierce, with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mookie Betts leading the charge. Both players are exceptionally deserving, but Acuña's historic power and speed season give him a slight edge in our predictions.
Acuña's numbers are simply astonishing. A .330 batting average, .981 OPS, 86 RBIs (as a leadoff hitter), 32 home runs, and a staggering 63 stolen bases have made him a force to be reckoned with. He's on track to become the first player to achieve 30+ homers and 60+ stolen bases in a single season, and he may even reach 70 stolen bases before the season's end.
Being the best player on the best team in baseball, the Atlanta Braves, further bolsters Acuña's MVP case.
Cy Young: Blake Snell
In the NL Cy Young race, Blake Snell and Spencer Strider have been neck and neck throughout the season. However, Strider's recent struggles, including giving up 10 earned runs in his last two starts, have given Snell the edge.
Snell's statistics speak volumes. With a 4.6 rWAR, 12-9 record, 2.50 ERA, 28 games started, and 155 innings pitched, he has been a dominant force on the mound. Snell also leads the league in hits per nine innings and boasts his lowest hits per nine since his AL Cy Young-winning season with the Rays.
While Spencer Strider has been impressive with a 16-5 record and a 3.83 ERA, Snell's superior ERA and consistency give him the edge in our predictions. Additionally, Snell may pitch fewer innings down the stretch, as the Padres have less to play for compared to the Braves, who are eyeing a postseason run.
Rookie of the Year: Corbin Carroll
In the National League, the Rookie of the Year award is all but locked up by Corbin Carroll. Although he cooled off in the latter part of the season, Carroll's early-season performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Carroll's stat line of a .280 batting average, .884 OPS, 101 runs, 24 home runs, and an impressive 41 stolen bases earned him the spotlight. The Arizona Diamondbacks' decision to give him an eight-year contract before the season looks like a genius move.
While Kodai Senga has been a standout pitcher for the New York Mets, Carroll's exceptional season sets him apart as the clear favorite for the NL Rookie of the Year award.
As we approach the final month of the MLB season, these award races will undoubtedly continue to captivate baseball fans. Keep a close eye on these talented players as they strive to secure their places in baseball history. The Diamond Chronicles will be here to keep you updated on all the thrilling developments.
