The regular season is winding down, and as it does, the anticipation for major awards ramps up. With voting taking place before the playoffs, the final games are essential for players vying for these coveted titles. Winners will be revealed after the World Series, leaving everybody in suspense.
Aaron Judge's Dominant Season
Aaron Judge has been a tour de force in the majors this season. Leading in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, Judge's performance is nothing short of extraordinary. With a stat line reading .324/.460/.703, an impressive 224 OPS+, 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and a stellar 10.6 WAR, he has proven his prowess at the plate. Adding to this, Judge has achieved 10 stolen bases in as many attempts and has admirably stepped up to play out-of-position in center field for most of the season.
Shohei Ohtani's Unprecedented Achievements
Shohei Ohtani has made headlines by achieving an extraordinary milestone of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani's statistics affirm his excellence: a .303/.386/.642 batting line, 187 OPS+, 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and an 8.6 WAR. His dual-threat ability continues to astound and challenge historical benchmarks.
Pitching Performances Stand Out
On the mound, several players have crafted seasons worthy of Cy Young consideration. Tarik Skubal, with an 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings, stands out by leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Reflecting on Skubal’s numbers, one might recall, "Kudos to Emmanuel Clase for an absolutely top-shelf relief season, and if Skubal didn't exist this season in the AL, I would have been ready to make the argument for a reliever."
Chris Sale has also showcased a stellar season, posting an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Sale's consistent excellence over the years, coupled with finishes as high as second place in Cy Young voting but never winning, adds an interesting layer to his candidature.
Zack Wheeler has not been far behind, with a commendable 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings. His performance has been critical in his team's success and consideration for individual accolades.
Cleveland Guardians' Unexpected Surge
Moving to team achievements, the Cleveland Guardians are a story of overcoming odds. Initially projected to finish around .500, with gambling totals set at 79 wins and positioned in third place in the AL Central, they've defied expectations. Despite losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury early in the season and underperformance from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the Guardians find themselves half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. This improbable success is aptly captured with, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League."
Milwaukee Brewers' Consistency Amidst Adversity
Over in the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers have maintained a remarkable consistency, not trailing since April 29 and poised to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. This stability comes despite significant challenges. Craig Counsell's departure for the Chicago Cubs last winter set the stage for a season of resilience. The Brewers also lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season, Corbin Burnes to a trade with the Orioles in spring training, and Devin Williams and Christian Yelich to injuries. Nonetheless, their internal promotions and management have held firm, as noted, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
Looking Towards Award Season
With the regular season's close approaching, players' final performances will inevitably sway the voting. As one voter reflected, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." This cautious approach highlights the closeness of the races and the impact of the final games.
Ultimately, the suspense lingers, and it is reflected in sentiments like, "I'm an actual voter and any prediction might be perceived as a hint as to which way I'm leaning. I will say, though, it's close enough that I do not yet know for sure how I'm voting."
The stage is set for a remarkable end to the season, with deserving individuals and resilient teams making their final push for recognition and glory.