The MLB regular season is already coming to a close, so the frontrunners for most awards have become clearer. These aren’t our predictions for the awards, but rather who we think deserves them, as well as the runner-ups. Stats through 9-18-20. Also check out MLB Report Card: AL Teams and MLB Report Card: NL Teams.
American League
Rookie of the Year: Kyle Lewis, Seattle Mariners
Lewis has had quite the season for the lowly Mariners, slashing .287 with 10 HRs and 27 RBIs. While the hitting has been excellent, it’s Lewis’ defense that really puts him ahead, with highlight-reel catches almost every week and a total of 6 defensive runs saved.
Runner-Up: Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox (.240 BA, 11 HRs, 30 RBIs)
Manager of the Year: Rick Renteria, Chicago White Sox
Renteria is a big reason why the White Sox have completely turned it around since last year. With the best record in the AL, no one else really comes close.
Runner-Up: Brandon Hyde, Baltimore Orioles
Cy Young: Shane Bieber, Cleveland Indians
Bieber has been nothing short of sensational all season long. Being 8-1 is extremely impressive, and having a 1.74 ERA and .86 WHIP truly shows how elite Bieber has become.
Runner-Up: Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox (4-3 record, .353 ERA, 1.03 WHIP)
MVP: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox
We figured we didn’t have enough White Sox players in the awards, so we went ahead and gave Abreu the MVP nod in a stacked race. In all seriousness, Abreu’s .327 batting average with 17 HRs and 51 RBIs on the team with the best record in the AL makes him absolutely deserving of MVP.
Runner-Up: Shane Bieber, Cleveland Indians
National League
Rookie of the Year: Jake Cronenworth, San Diego Padres
Cronenworth has been a big part of the Padres’ success this season, hitting .311 with 4 HRs and 20 RBIs. The NL rookies haven’t been as fantastic as the AL rooks, but Cronenworth is looking like a long-term reliable player for San Diego.
Runner-Up: Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies (.326 BA, 4 HRs, 20 RBIs)
Manager of the Year: Jace Tingler, San Diego Padres
Tingler has done a fantastic job with the Padres this season. The team had a ton of potential, and Tingler turned that into actual production. He has guided San Diego to trailing only the Dodgers in the National League, and a postseason matchup feels likely.
Runner-Up: Don Mattingly, Miami Marlins
Cy Young: Trevor Bauer, Cincinnati Reds
Bauer has been excellent this season for an otherwise underwhelming Reds team. He is 4-3 with a 1.71 ERA and a .81 WHIP. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Runner-Up: Yu Darvish (7-2 record, 1.86 ERA, .94 WHIP)
MVP: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Mookie Betts has led the Dodgers to the best record in baseball while hitting .306 with 16 HRs and 39 RBIs, while playing gold glove defense in right field. An argument for Fernando Tatis or Freddie Freeman could be made, but Betts and the Dodgers have simply had a better all-around season.
Runner-Up: Fernando Tatis, San Diego Padres