The MVP races, interesting a few weeks back, eventually were clinched by the game’s two best players. Aaron Judge will get his second MVP award and Shohei Ohtani his third, this time without even throwing a pitch.
Here are all my award picks.
AL MVP
1. Aaron Judge, Yankees: Big leads in WAR (10.8), OPS (1.159), adjusted OPS plus (223), slugging (.701), on-base percentage (.458) and more closed the case. 2. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals: In another year, obviously worthy. 3. Juan Soto, Yankees: Everything hoped for, and more. 4. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles: Almost as good as Witt. 5. Jose Ramirez, Guardians: Always top-five.
Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge hits a two-run home run during a game earlier this season. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostAL Least Valuable
1. Anthony Rendon, Angels; 2. Mike Trout, Angels; 3. Adley Rutschman, Orioles.
NL MVP
1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers: “Once he starts pitching again, he’ll win every year,” predicts one NL coach. 2. Francisco Lindor, Mets: The 30-30 SS is a great defender and leader. Those things count here. 3. Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks: Fantastic hitter led MLB’s top offense. 4. Willy Adames. Brewers: Leader will cash in after huge year. 5. Bryce Harper, Phillies: Made for Philly.
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani singles during a game earlier this season. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConNL LVP
1. Kris Bryant, Rockies; 2. Joey Gallo, Nationals; 3. Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals.
AL Cy Young
1. Tarik Skubal, Tigers: Simply the best. 2 Seth Lugo, Royals; 3 Framber Valdez, Astros; 4. Corbin Burnes, Orioles; 5. Emmanuel Clase, Guardians.
AL Cy Old
1. Justin Verlander, Astros; 2. Craig Kimbrel, Orioles; 3. Triston McKenzie, Guardians.
NL Cy Young:
1. Chris Sale, Braves:Pitching Triple Crown winner can’t be denied; 2. Zack Wheeler, Phillies; 3. Michael King, Padres; 4. Paul Skenes, Pirates; 5. Shota Imanaga, Cubs.
Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale pitches against the Cincinnati Reds. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConNL Cy Old
1. Jordan Montgomery, Diamondbacks; 2. Patrick Corbin, Nationals; 3. Taijuan Walker, Phillies.
AL Rookie of the Year
1. Luis Gil, Yankees; 2. Colton Cowser, Orioles; 3. Austin Wells, Yankees.
NL Rookie of the Year
1. Jackson Merrill, Padres: Lifelong shortstop played a superb center field and came up with huge hits. 2. Paul Skenes, Pirates; 3. Jackson Chourio, Brewers; 4. Shota Imanaga, Cubs; 5. Masyn Winn, Cardinals.
AL Manager of the Year
1. A.J. Hinch, Tigers: Amazing late rush by the youngest team. 2. Steven Vogt, Guardians; 3. Joe Espada, Astros.
NL Manager of the Year
1. Pat Murphy, Brewers: They played the game better than anyone. 2. Carlos Mendoza, Mets; 3. Dave Roberts, Dodgers/Mike Shildt, Padres.
