It’s time to open all the envelopes, also known as awards time in MLB.
Here’s my picks for the 2023 MLB awards:
AL MVP
1. Shohei Ohtani, Angels: He’ll miss the final month but it’s tough to argue with another historic season.
2. Corey Seager, Rangers: A case can be made since he’s had a historic year for a shortstop and may lead his team to AL West title.
3. Marcus Semien, Rangers: He’s set the tone.
AL LVP (Least Valuable)
Javier Baez, Tigers: He will not opt out.
NL MVP
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves: It’s been a fantastic race between two players having comparably spectacular seasons.
It’s a shame overzealous Braves fans are making ridiculous claims (one is that voters for Mookie Betts are racist).
Ronald Acuna Jr. should win NL MVP over Mookie Betts. Getty Images
Shohei Ohtani is the AL MVP favorite. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con2. Mookie Betts, Dodgers: He has a great case since he also plays a fine shortstop and second base. Check the WARs — it’s a virtual tie.
3. Matt Olson, Braves and Freddie Freeman, Dodgers: In another year these two — who were basically traded for each other — would be MVP.
NL LVP
Starling Marte, Mets: Tried to play through pain.
AL Cy Young
1. Gerrit Cole, Yankees: He has the richest pitching contract ever but may be underpaid.
2. Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays: True ace after some bouncing around.
3. Kyle Bradish, Orioles: Should start Game 1 for dangerous O’s.
Gerrit Cole should win his first Cy Young. Robert Sabo for NY PostAL Cy Old
Alek Manoah, Blue Jays: What happened here?
NL Cy Young
1. Blake Snell, Padres: Big finish assured this free agent the top spot.
2. Logan Webb, Giants: Rare guy who pitches in the seventh inning — or even eighth.
3. Kodai Senga, Mets:Big ending nips Zac Gallen.
Blake Snell should enter free agency as the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConNL Cy Old
Carlos Carrasco, Mets: Oy.
AL Rookie of the Year
1. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles: Future superstar.
2. Tanner Bibee, Guardians: Under-the-radar great.
3. Josh Jung, Rangers: Was leader before injury.
NL Rookie of the Year
1. Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks: Candidate for down-ballot MVP votes.
2. Senga.
3. Matt McLain, Reds: Overshadowed by Elly De La Cruz.
AL Manager of the Year
1. Brandon Hyde, Orioles: Has the O’s rolling.
2. Rocco Baldelli, Twins: Overcame injuries by stars Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton.
3. Kevin Cash, Rays: Everyone does a great job there.
NL Manager of the Year
1. Dave Roberts, Dodgers: Lost a starting rotation.
2. Craig Counsell, Brewers: They seem to win all the close ones.
3. Skip Schumaker, Marlins: Set great tone. (Bad job by me not finding a spot for Brian Snitker.)
