The regular season is winding down, and the race for major awards is heating up. With votes needing to be cast before the playoffs begin and winners announced after the World Series, the spotlight is on some standout performances this year.
Aaron Judge's Stellar Season
Aaron Judge has been nothing short of sensational. Leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, Judge's statistics are jaw-dropping. Batting .324/.460/.703 with an OPS+ of 224, he has smashed 57 home runs, driven in 142 runs, and scored 120 times with a remarkable 10.6 WAR. Not only has Judge been dominant at the plate, but he also boasts a perfect record on the basepaths with 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts. Adding to his résumé, he has played out of position in center field for most of the season, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
Shohei Ohtani: Dual Threat
Shohei Ohtani has continued to dazzle as a dual-threat player, etching his name in the record books by achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani's performance has been stellar with a .303/.386/.642 slash line and an OPS+ of 187. He has hit 53 home runs, stolen 56 bases, and accumulated 125 RBI, 130 runs, and an 8.6 WAR. His ability to excel both at the plate and on the basepaths makes him a unique and invaluable asset to his team.
Pitching Excellence
On the mound, several pitchers have made compelling cases for the Cy Young Award. Tarik Skubal tops the list with an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings. Skubal leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, making a strong case for the top pitching honor. As one commentator rightly put it, "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, despite not receiving a Cy Young vote since 2018, has had a standout season himself. He holds an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Sale has previously finished second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in Cy Young voting, making him a perennial contender.
Zack Wheeler is also in the conversation with a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings. His consistency and effectiveness have been crucial for his team’s success.
Improbable Guardians
In the American League, the Cleveland Guardians have defied expectations. Initially projected to finish around .500, with a gambling win total set at 79 and positioned in third place in the AL Central, the Guardians have shocked many by standing just half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. They achieved this despite losing ace Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and underwhelming seasons from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen. As an observer exclaimed, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League."
Dominant Brewers
In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have held firm atop the NL Central, not trailing in the division since April 29. They are poised to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team, demonstrating remarkable resilience. This achievement is even more impressive considering they lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season, saw Craig Counsell depart for the Chicago Cubs last winter, traded Corbin Burnes to the Orioles in spring training, and faced injuries to key players like Devin Williams and Christian Yelich. Highlighting the internal strength of the team, it was noted, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
The Voting Dilemma
As the author of these observations notes, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." This caution is warranted, given the competitive nature of the races and the high stakes involved. "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 author adds, capturing the essence of the uncertainty and excitement as the season draws to a close.
With such impressive performances across the board, the final weeks of the season and the subsequent awards will be eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. The narratives, statistics, and sheer talent on display make this one of the most compelling ends to a regular season in recent memory.