PHOTO USA Today Sports Images As the All-Star break approaches, we take a look at the players leading their respective races for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year.
There are surprises in almost every race, except for the National League MVP title, where the favorites are obvious and are two of the biggest names in baseball.
American League MVP
1. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
2. Aaron Judge, Yankees
3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
April 24, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) hits a home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports Judge leads the major leagues in home runs and RBIs, but Henderson, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, has the edge with his Gold Glove-caliber defense at shortstop for the Orioles, who have passed Judge and the slumping Yankees in the East. Witt, making his first All-Star appearance, is produce another great season for the Royals, in contention for the wild card, and is a future MVP.
National League MVP
1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
2. Bryce Harper, Phillies
3. Christian Yelich, Brewers
February 18, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) stretches during spring training at Camelback Ranch. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Who says a designated hitter can’t be an MVP? Ohtani may not pitch in 2024, But the reigning American League MVP put up ridiculous numbers in the first half, with fellow Dodgers star Mookie Betts out indefinitely. Harper, a two-time MVP, is having another stellar campaign but has battled injuries for the first-place Phillies. Yelich, meanwhile, looks like his 2018 self, when he was the National League MVP.
American League Cy Young
1. Seth Lugo, Royals
2. Corbin Burnes, Orioles
3. Tarik Skubal, Tigers
June 20, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports Striking the baseball world with his eye-popping numbers, Lugo deserves to start in the All-Star Game. New Orioles ace Barnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young winner, is neck-and-neck with the Royals veteran. The Tigers aren’t in the wild-card race, but that’s not Skubal’s fault. He’s thrived despite Detroit’s mediocrity and is among the most underrated pitchers in the game.
National League Cy Young
1. Chris Sale, Braves
2. Ranger Suarez, Phillies
3. Zack Wheeler, Phillies
The National League East-leading Phillies could be on that list, but Sale is the perfect choice to return to dominance after four disastrous seasons. The veteran left-hander has a combined 17 wins in four injury-plagued seasons with the Red Sox and already has 12 this year as of Wednesday, while ranking among the major league leaders in several categories.
AL Rookie of the Year
1. Wyatt Langford, Rangers
2. Luis Gil, Yankees
March 30, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Jared Walsh (21) celebrates with Texas Rangers designated hitter Wyatt Langford (36) and Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Globe Life Field. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Gil was an early favorite, but the Yankees right-hander has been roughed up in three of his last four starts, while the Rangers’ Langford has taken the league by storm.
From back from a hamstring injury in late MayThe outfielder showed why he was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft by earning AL Rookie of the Month honors for June. Despite his recent struggles, Gil remains a solid candidate, leading all qualified AL rookie starters in wins, ERA, WHIP and batting average against.
ROY NL
1. Jackson Merrill, Padres
2. Paul Skenes, Pirates
April 9, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) looks on during the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports In the event of a coin flip, Merrill gets a slight edge for playing the entire first half, while Skenes spent the first month-plus in the minor leagues. Patrolling center field for the first time as a professional, Merrill was named the National League Rookie of the Month in June. As for the first pick in the 2023 draft, Skenes lived up to the incredible hype and is a future Cy Young candidate, perhaps even this season given his current streak of dominance.
AL Manager
1. Matt Quatraro, Royals
2. Stephen Vogt, The Watchmen
After a 106-game losing campaign in his first season, Quatraro put the Royals in position to win one of three draft spots. In his first season as a major league manager, Vogt led the Guardians to the top of the Central despite numerous injuries, including ace Shane Bieber undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Netherlands Manager
1. Oliver Marmol, Cardinals
2. Carlos Mendoza, Mets
In May, it appeared Marmol would be the first manager fired this season after the Cardinals’ 15-24 start. Likely saving Marmol’s job, St. Louis has made a remarkable turnaround and is within touching distance of first place. As for Carlos Mendoza, it appeared his first taste of major league management would be short-lived, but a 16-8 record in June has propelled the Mets into wild-card contention.
