The Major League Baseball regular season is drawing to a close, with attention shifting towards the upcoming playoffs and the impending major awards announcements. As votes for these prestigious awards are cast before the postseason begins, several standout performances during the season have made this year's voting particularly intriguing.
Aaron Judge's Dominant Season
Aaron Judge has been a force to be reckoned with, leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. His staggering .324/.460/.703 line, equating to a 224 OPS+, is highlighted by 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and 10.6 WAR. Additionally, Judge has shown versatility by playing out of position in center field for most of the season and has excelled on the base paths with 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Achievements
Not to be outdone, Shohei Ohtani made history by becoming the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani's impressive .303/.386/.642 line, with a 187 OPS+, is complemented by 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR. His multifaceted contributions have kept him in the conversation for major awards alongside Judge.
Pitching Performances Steal the Spotlight
On the pitching front, several aces have made compelling cases for the Cy Young award. Tarik Skubal's outstanding season boasts an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings. Skubal leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, making him a strong contender for the award. As one observer noted, "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 delivered an impressive campaign, with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Despite his consistent excellence, Sale hasn't received a Cy Young vote since 2018, though he has finished in the top six on multiple occasions in past years.
Zack Wheeler's contributions cannot be overlooked either. With a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings, Wheeler has cemented his status as one of the game's elite pitchers this season.
Unexpected Success Stories
In terms of team performance, the Cleveland Guardians have been one of the season's biggest surprises. 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 defied expectations. Despite losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and witnessing disappointing seasons from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the team is only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. As one observer marveled, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League."
The Milwaukee Brewers have also had an incredible season. They've maintained their lead in the NL Central since April 29 and are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. This success is all the more impressive given the obstacles they faced, from losing Brandon Woodruff for the season and Corbin Burnes being traded to the Orioles, to injuries plaguing Devin Williams and Christian Yelich. Reflecting on the resilience of the Brewers, one commentator noted, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
The Uncertainty of Awards Season
As the awards season approaches, the debates intensify, and the predictions fly. One veteran observer cautions, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." This seasoned perspective serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of awards voting. The commentator further emphasized their impartiality, stating, "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."
With standout performances, unexpected team triumphs, and the looming uncertainty of major awards, this MLB season has been nothing short of thrilling. As fans and analysts alike eagerly await the announcements following the World Series, the impressive feats of Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and many others will be remembered as hallmarks of an unforgettable season.