I meant to post this before the season but never got around to it. Better late than never!
AL MVP--Mike Trout
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the best all-around player in baseball and reigning (unanimous) AL MVP.
AL Cy Young--Chris Sale
Sale was the American League's best pitcher on a per-inning basis last year, leading the loop in strikeout rate (10.8 K/9) and ERA+ (174) while just missing out on the ERA title. If he stays health enough to pitch 200 innings he has as good a chance as any. He's also in the heart of his prime at 26.
AL Rookie of the Year--Blake Swihart
Boston's catcher situation is pitiful, which means Swihart should have every opportunity to establish himself behind the plate this year.
AL Comeback Player of the Year--Alex Rodriguez
The year off is going to help his aging body and he's shown no signs of slowing down. Also wouldn't it be just like A-Rod to come back and shove it in everybody's faces?
AL Manager of the Year--Terry Francona
The Indians have the talent to overtake the Tigers in the AL Central. If they do, you can bet Francona's going to be recognized for it.
NL MVP--Giancarlo Stanton
Probably would have won last year's had he not been beaned in the face with three weeks to go in the season. The 25 year-old seems to have put it all together and is going to lead a surprisingly strong Marlins club back to contention.
NL Cy Young--Max Scherzer
By essentially replicating his 2013 Cy season last year, Scherzer proved that his award-winning campaign was no fluke. I love him in the NL East, on what is likely going to be the best team in baseball, pitching tons of games against the Phillies, Braves, and Mets. Plus at 31 he's still very close to his prime.
NL Rookie of the Year--Kris Bryant
Has met expectations thus far with an unreal spring training and hot start to his pro career.
NL Comeback Player of the Year--Joey Votto
Votto missed 100 games last year and clearly wasn't himself when he did play, posting an OPS below .800 for the first time in his career and batting nearly 60 points below his career average coming into the season. Look for the 31 year-old former MVP to put up big numbers and stay fully healthy.
NL Manager of the Year--Joe Maddon
He'll take the Cubs back to the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and might just make good on that silly Back to the Future prediction.
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