The regular season is winding down, and as the playoffs loom, the discussion around major awards intensifies. Votes for these prestigious accolades must be cast before the postseason begins, with winners set to be announced after the World Series. Among the top contenders, several players have delivered remarkable performances that demand attention.
Aaron Judge: A Season for the Ages
Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' powerhouse, is leading the majors in multiple categories: home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. Judge's stats are staggering, featuring a slash line of .324/.460/.703, an OPS+ of 224, 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and a WAR of 10.6. Beyond his offensive prowess, Judge has also showcased his versatility by playing out of position in center field for much of the season and has successfully stolen 10 bases in 10 attempts.
Shohei Ohtani: The Dual Threat
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels achieved a feat few thought possible by combining 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. His slash line reads .303/.386/.642, with an OPS+ of 187, 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR. Ohtani's ability to excel both at the plate and on the basepaths further cements his status as one of the game's most uniquely talented players.
Pitchers Making Their Mark
On the mound, several pitchers have submitted Cy Young-worthy campaigns. Tarik Skubal, with an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings, leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, making a strong case for the award. Reflecting on Skubal's extraordinary performance, one observer remarked, "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 made a significant impact, posting an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Despite not receiving a Cy Young vote since 2018, Sale’s prior finishes—second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth—underscore his consistent level of excellence. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler's solid season with a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings should not be overlooked.
Cleveland Guardians: Defying Expectations
At the team level, the Cleveland Guardians have defied all odds. Initially projected to finish around .500 and placed third in the AL Central, the Guardians were expected to hover around their gambling win total of 79. They lost ace Shane Bieber early in the season to a season-ending injury and have dealt with underperformance from pitchers Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen. Yet, they are only half a game out of the best record in the American League, emphasizing the improbable nature of their success. "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League," notes one commentator, capturing the essence of their unexpected journey.
Milwaukee Brewers: Overcoming Adversity
Similarly, the Milwaukee Brewers have navigated a challenging season but remain on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. The Brewers have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29, a testament to their resilience. However, their journey has been far from easy. They saw manager Craig Counsell depart for the Chicago Cubs last winter, and they were hit hard by injuries—losing Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season and Devin Williams to injury. Additionally, they traded Corbin Burnes to the Orioles in spring training and lost Christian Yelich to injury in July. Despite these setbacks, the Brewers have demonstrated remarkable internal strength. "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," indicative of their adaptability and resolve.
As the season draws to a close, the focus will inevitably shift to the awards voting. One voter emphasized the speculative nature of this process, stating, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." Another added, "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 anticipation continues to build, and soon, the baseball world will know which players and teams will be adorned with the season's highest honors.