PHOTO USA Today Sports Images As the All-Star break arrives, we’re looking at the players leading their respective races for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year.
There are surprises in nearly every race, with the exception of National League MVP, where the frontrunners are obvious and two of baseball’s biggest names.
AL MVP
1. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
2. Aaron Judge, Yankees
3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
Apr 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. credits: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports Judge leads the majors in homers and RBIs, but Henderson, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, gets the edge for his Gold Glove-caliber defense at shortstop for the Orioles, who have overtaken Judge and the slumping Yankees in the East. Witt, a first-time All-Star, is producing another tremendous season for the wild-card-contending Royals and is a future MVP.
NL MVP
1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
2. Bryce Harper, Phillies
3. Christian Yelich, Brewers
Feb 18, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) stretches during spring training at Camelback Ranch. credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Who says a DH can’t be an MVP? Ohtani may not be pitching in 2024, but the reigning AL MVP has posted ridiculous first-half numbers, with fellow Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts out indefinitely. Harper, a two-time MVP, is having another stellar campaign but has battled through injuries for the first-place Phillies. Yelich, meanwhile, looks like his 2018 self, when he was the NL MVP.
AL Cy Young
1. Seth Lugo, Royals
2. Corbin Burnes, Orioles
3. Tarik Skubal, Tigers
Jun 20, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) delivers a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports Surprising the baseball world with his eye-popping numbers, Lugo deserves to start the All-Star Game. New Orioles ace Barnes, the NL Cy Young winner in 2021, is neck-and-neck with the Royals veteran. The Tigers aren’t in the wild-card race, but it’s not Skubal’s fault. He’s flourished despite Detroit’s mediocrity and is among the game’s most underrated pitchers.
NL Cy Young
1. Chris Sale, Braves
2. Ranger Suarez, Phillies
3. Zack Wheeler, Phillies
The NL East-leading Phillies’ rotation could be on this list, but Sale is the pick for returning to dominance following four disastrous seasons. The veteran left-hander posted a total of 17 wins in those four injury-plagued seasons with the Red Sox and already has 12 this year as of Wednesday, while ranking among the majors’ leaders in several categories.
AL Rookie of the Year
1. Wyatt Langford, Rangers
2. Luis Gil, Yankees
Mar 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 during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Globe Life Field. credits: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Gil was an early frontrunner, but the Yankees right-hander has been knocked around in three of his past four starts, while the Rangers’ Langford has taken the league by storm.
Since returning from a hamstring injury in late May, the outfielder has shown why he was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft by winning June’s AL Rookie of the Month honors. Despite his recent struggles, Gil remains a strong candidate, leading all qualified AL rookie starters in wins, ERA, WHIP and batting average against.
NL ROY
1. Jackson Merrill, Padres
2. Paul Skenes, Pirates
Apr 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. credits: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports In a toss-up, Merrill gets the slight edge for playing the entire first half, while the Skenes spent the first month-plus in the minors. Patrolling center field for the first time as a pro, Merrill was named NL Rookie of the Month in June. As for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, Skenes has lived up to the incredible hype and is a future Cy Young candidate—perhaps even this season given his current string of dominance.
AL Manager
1. Matt Quatraro, Royals
2. Stephen Vogt, Guardians
Following a 106-loss campaign in his first season, Quatraro has the surprising Royals poised to claim one of the three wild-card spots. In his first season as a major league manager, Vogt has the Guardians atop the Central despite numerous injuries, including ace Shane Bieber undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery.
NL Manager
1. Oliver Marmol, Cardinals
2. Carlos Mendoza, Mets
It appeared in May that 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 striking distance of first. As for Carlos Mendoza, it seemed his first taste of managing in the big leagues would be short-lived, but a 16-8 June record vaulted the Mets into wild-card contention.
