MLB Award Frontrunners
Player Name
Now that we are two-thirds of the way through the 2021 season, it is time to look at the frontrunners for the top honors in baseball.
By Zach Smith
Every player dreams of hearing their name called when the MLB Awards are announced. There is still plenty of baseball left, but some guys have emerged as clear favorites to bring home the hardware.
On the latest episode of the Just Baseball Show, hosts Peter Appel and Jack McMullen break down their picks for AL and NL Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP.
The NL Rookie of the Year race is a close one, but it is hard not to give it to Trevor Rogers. The Marlins ace has a 2.45 ERA and was an All-Star in his first full season.
In the AL, Randy Arozarena is the name to watch for ROY (Yes, he’s somehow still eligible to win it). He has hit 16 homers with 52 RBI to go along with some spectacular defensive play in the outfield.
We can’t forget the managers. Gabe Kapler of the San Francisco Giants is a lock for NL Manager of the Year, as he has taken an underappreciated roster to the top of the NL with a 73-41 record.
In a similar fashion, Bob Melvin has gotten the most out of the Oakland Athletics. The A’s are in the playoff hunt and he has a solid case for AL Manager of the Year.
The AL Cy Young Award should go to Lance Lynn. Lynn’s stellar play has helped the Chicago White Sox take over the AL Central, and he currently has the lowest ERA in all of baseball.
There is no debate over the AL MVP. Shohei Ohtani is hitting .267 with an MLB-best 38 home runs and 84 RBI. Ohtani also pitches, and he currently has a 6-1 record with a 2.93 ERA.
The NL MVP is trickier, but Bryce Harper looks like the favorite. The All-Star slugger is batting .297 with 20 home runs as he leads the Philadelphia Phillies back into the playoff race.