Way Too Early MLB Award Predictions

Pitchers and catchers report in about a week, so what makes the most sense to talk about? Spring Training? Opening Day? Of course not, how about who’s gonna win those awards after the season! Unlike football or basketball, where you usually know who’s getting what, baseball awards almost always come with some controversy. Who’s taking home the hardware in 2016? Glad you asked.

AL Rookie of the Year: Byron Buxton, Twins

I thought a lot about Texas’ Joey Gallo here, but with his two main positions filled by veterans it’s unclear how many opportunities he’ll get this year. Buxton, however, will most likely be up early after the Twins realize 2016 is a lost season; probably in late May at the latest. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to show what he’s capable of, and it looks like he’s capable of a lot: Buxton has electric speed, great hands, and a hell of a glove in the outfield. This kid could be a star for years to come, and an AL ROY award would just be the start for him.

NL Rookie of the Year: Steven Matz, Mets

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but I really think this could be the Mets’ year. They’ll sport the scariest (6 man) rotation in baseball, and Matz should be a staple in it. LA’s Corey Seager could certainly make a run at this one after his stellar postseason in ’15, but Matz has shown us all he’s capable of; remember his debut, when he threw 7.2 innings of 2-run ball and tacked on 3 hits and 4 RBI at the plate? That wasn’t a fluke, the kid’s just that good. Injuries slowed what could’ve been a phenomenal rookie year, but he’s healthy again and the tools are there, so he’s my pick.

AL Manager of the Year: A.J. Hinch, Astros

It’s no secret that the Astros could be in for another playoff run this year. They lost practically none of their core, and if anything their young studs just have another year under their belt. Correa will build on his ROY campaign, the outfield of Rasmus, Gomez, and Springer will likely dominate, and the rotation led by Keuchel is solid. Expectations aren’t all through the roof for Houston this year, so if they can win the AL West I’d say Hinch gets rewarded.

NL Manager of the Year: Terry Collins, Mets

I know, I’m already too high on the Mets. But Collins could’ve easily won this award last year if the Cubs hadn’t been so successful. Yes, Collins has had trouble in the past particularly with managing pitchers, but he’s learning and I think the 6-man rotation could definitely work. He’s got a good deal of talent to work with and little divisional competition outside of Washington. Could be Collins’ year.

AL Cy Young: Sonny Gray, Athletics

I wanted to say David Price soooooooo bad, but first year of a big contract always makes me a little worried. Gray, however, has been a rising star in this league for a few years even though nobody really cares because he’s in Oakland. He did finish 3rd in voting last year after going 14-7 with a 2.73 ERA and 169 strikeouts; not insane numbers, but something to build off of at age 26.

NL Cy Young: Gerrit Cole, Pirates

It’s hard to think the NL’s best pitcher won’t come from the NL’s best rotation in New York, but I couldn’t give the Mets every award, could I? Fact is, Cole was phenomenal last year. He finished 4th in Cy Young voting, won 19 games and struck out 202 batters. Pittsburgh is a solid pitcher’s park, and Cole has really emerged as a top major league pitcher going into this season.

AL MVP: Mookie Betts, Red Sox

You knew my bias had to come in at some point. But let’s face it: this kid can flat out PLAY. He can hit, run, throw, and he makes a catch about once a week that just makes you go “Oh, shit.” The fact that he’s like a professional bowler is a little weird, but it doesn’t detract from the insane skills he brings to the diamond. All the regulars (Trout, Donaldson, Bautista) will make a run at it, but it’s finally Mookie’s year.

NL MVP: Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks

It’s finally Paul’s year, too. Goldschmidt has been a stud for years now and he’s definitely been hurt by playing on a mediocre team in a small market. In his last 2 injury-free seasons he’s hit 36 and 33 homers, and he’s one of the best defensive 1st basemen in the game. Since this could also be Arizona’s year to regain some relevance in the competitive NL West, I think it could definitely be Goldschmidt’s best chance at an MVP.