Next up on the baseball predictions, we’ve got the awards. So let’s go.
NL MVP
Front runner: Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis Jr. is the preeminent rising star in the game and this is his year to shine. He’s got power, he’s got speed, he’s got playmaking ability and killer instinct. He’s going to be really good for a really long time.
Dark Horse: JT Realmuto
Realmuto is perhaps the best hitting catcher in the game at the moment. While Bryce Harper is the preeminent slugger one the Phillies, Realmuto plays a valued position at catcher. If the Phillies can dethrone the Braves in the East, he will be a key part of that.
AL MVP
Front runner: Mike Trout
I’m still not betting against Trout. He’s the greatest player of this generation and a case can be made of all time. He has finished top 5 in the MVP voting every year of his career. He’s won 3 and arguably should have won more. Not betting against him.
Dark horse: Bo Bichette
Bichette is a great young player with the Blue Jays. He’s yet to play a full 162 game season but all he has done so far in his career is hit. He could be primed for a breakout season this year with a strong, young Jays team.
NL Cy Young
Front runner: Jacob deGrom
deGrom is the best pitcher in the game. He won 2 in a row before last season. Back in a full 162 game season, I think deGrom wins another one.
Dark horse: Brandon Woodruff
Woodruff is a solid starter who has been steadily getting better the past few years. He was an allstar in 2019 and probably would have been one last year as well.
AL Cy Young
Front Runner: Hyun-Jin Ryu
Ryu has been a great pitcher for a while now. He spent the early part of his career playing second fiddle to Kershaw in LA and is now the ace in Toronto. He’s finished top 3 the past two years and I think this is the year he finally wins it.
Dark Horse: Jose Berrios
Berrios was my dark horse pick last year and I’m sticking with it. He has a ton of talent, has made a couple all-star teams before and I still believe he can take that next step to be elite.
NL Rookie of the Year
Dylan Carlson
After a period of adjustment last year, Carlson hit his stride and ended the year strong. He’s still a classified as a rookie this year. He’s going to be a starter and get a ton of playing time all year. I think he’s got a great shot at winning.
AL Rookie of the Year
Randy Arozarena
Baseball is weird. Last year’s ALCS MVP and record holder for most home runs in a postseason could follow that up by winning rookie of the year the following season.
