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Major League Baseball is gearing up for the playoff season, with significant stakes at play, including the wildcard race and various awards. Numerous players have risen to the occasion, and with Aaron Judge sidelined, a new American League MVP will soon be crowned.
Additionally, the question remains: could we see a fresh National League MVP emerge this year, or will Shohei Ohtani win for a third straight year? Let’s take a look at the predictions for the biggest awards in both the American League and National League.
MORE: 4 MLB teams most likely to win the World Series, not including the Dodgers
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) swings the bat during the in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Yordan Alvarez, when healthy, is one of the scariest players to pitch to. One crack of the bat and a run is put up on the board for a home run. This season, Alvarez has been elite for Houston. Alvarez has hit 35 home runs, has a batting average of .322, and has 140 hits in 120 games played.
Apr 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) points after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The race is on, and the frontrunner for the MVP of the National League is Pete Crow Armostrongs to lose. Shohei Ohtani is set at even odds for the award; PCA is the favorite. PCA has had an awesome season for the Cubs. PCA plays great defense, steals bases, and hits for average.
Apr 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
This award is the toughest to predict because of how close Dylan Cease’s season for the Blue Jays and Cam Schlittler’s for the Yankees are. Cease leads in strikeouts, but Schlittler dominates in ERA and walks hitters much less than Cease.
MORE: Major League Baseball releases 2026 playoff schedule
Jun 19, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
It is not often a pitcher throws 100+ mph. Jacob Misiorowski has been throwing heat for the Brewers this season. His 2026 numbers are video game-like, with a 1.76 ERA, 204 Ks in 133.0 IP, and opponents are hitting 147 against him.
Mar 1, 2026; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (85) bats during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Kevin McGonigle has been one of the brightest players for the Tigers this season. The Tigers’ season has gone to waste with trading Tarik Skubal now, but he has been awesome for Detroit.
Jun 21, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
JJ Wetherholt is a young, promising player for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is an elite defender at 2B too, with a +20 in fielding runs value.
MORE: Most dangerous MLB team right now isn’t even in a playoff spot
Aug 4, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable (1) returns to the dugout after a pitching change as they take on the Boston Red Sox in the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Did anyone see the Whitesox being this good this season? Many questioned the Munetaka Murakami signing, and it has been nothing but a home run. He has been phenomenal as the manager for Chicago.
Jul 19, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss (22) walks on the field to change pitchers against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
When the Braves are healthy, they can be a very special team. If it wasn’t for Jacob Misiorowski, Chris Sale is in the conversation as a CY Young candidate. Braves are ahead of the Phillies by 9.5 games. Just dominance from Atlanta this year.
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Additionally, the question remains: could we see a fresh National League MVP emerge this year, or will Shohei Ohtani win for a third straight year? Let’s take a look at the predictions for the biggest awards in both the American League and National League.
MORE: 4 MLB teams most likely to win the World Series, not including the Dodgers
American League MVP: Yordan Alvarez
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Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) swings the bat during the in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Yordan Alvarez, when healthy, is one of the scariest players to pitch to. One crack of the bat and a run is put up on the board for a home run. This season, Alvarez has been elite for Houston. Alvarez has hit 35 home runs, has a batting average of .322, and has 140 hits in 120 games played.
National League MVP: Pete Crow-Armstrong
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Apr 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) points after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The race is on, and the frontrunner for the MVP of the National League is Pete Crow Armostrongs to lose. Shohei Ohtani is set at even odds for the award; PCA is the favorite. PCA has had an awesome season for the Cubs. PCA plays great defense, steals bases, and hits for average.
American League CY Young: Cam Schlittler
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Apr 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
This award is the toughest to predict because of how close Dylan Cease’s season for the Blue Jays and Cam Schlittler’s for the Yankees are. Cease leads in strikeouts, but Schlittler dominates in ERA and walks hitters much less than Cease.
MORE: Major League Baseball releases 2026 playoff schedule
National League CY Young: Jacob Misiorowski
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Jun 19, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
It is not often a pitcher throws 100+ mph. Jacob Misiorowski has been throwing heat for the Brewers this season. His 2026 numbers are video game-like, with a 1.76 ERA, 204 Ks in 133.0 IP, and opponents are hitting 147 against him.
American League Rookie of the Year: Kevin McGonigle
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Mar 1, 2026; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (85) bats during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Kevin McGonigle has been one of the brightest players for the Tigers this season. The Tigers’ season has gone to waste with trading Tarik Skubal now, but he has been awesome for Detroit.
National League Rookie of the Year: JJ Wetherholt
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Jun 21, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt (26) celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
JJ Wetherholt is a young, promising player for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is an elite defender at 2B too, with a +20 in fielding runs value.
MORE: Most dangerous MLB team right now isn’t even in a playoff spot
American League Manager of the Year: Will Venable
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Aug 4, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable (1) returns to the dugout after a pitching change as they take on the Boston Red Sox in the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Did anyone see the Whitesox being this good this season? Many questioned the Munetaka Murakami signing, and it has been nothing but a home run. He has been phenomenal as the manager for Chicago.
National League Manager of the Year: Walt Weiss
You must be registered for see images attach
Jul 19, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss (22) walks on the field to change pitchers against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
When the Braves are healthy, they can be a very special team. If it wasn’t for Jacob Misiorowski, Chris Sale is in the conversation as a CY Young candidate. Braves are ahead of the Phillies by 9.5 games. Just dominance from Atlanta this year.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
