MLB Awards Watch: Top Contenders for MVP, Cy Young, and More in August 2024

As the Major League Baseball season heats up and August rolls on, the race for the sport’s top honors is intensifying. With just a few months left in the regular season, the battle for MVP, Cy Young, and other prestigious awards is becoming clearer. Here’s a rundown of the key players and trends to watch as we approach the final stretch of the 2024 MLB season.

**American League MVP Race**

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels continues to make a compelling case for MVP. His dual-threat performance, combining elite pitching with powerful hitting, has kept him at the forefront of the race. Ohtani is currently leading the league in home runs and is among the top five in strikeouts. His unique skill set and consistent production make him a standout candidate.

However, Ohtani faces stiff competition from Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. Judge is enjoying another stellar season, leading the league in batting average and on-base percentage. His power numbers and ability to drive in runs have kept the Yankees in contention for a playoff spot. The debate between Ohtani’s historic versatility and Judge’s offensive dominance promises to be one of the season’s most intriguing storylines.

**National League MVP Contenders**

In the National League, Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves is a frontrunner for MVP honors. Acuña is having a phenomenal season, showcasing his power-speed combination with impressive home run and stolen base totals. His contributions have been crucial in maintaining the Braves’ position as one of the top teams in the league.

Another strong candidate is Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Betts has been a key player for the Dodgers, delivering consistently with both the bat and glove. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his leadership on and off the field make him a serious MVP contender.

**American League Cy Young Favorites**

The American League Cy Young race features some dominant pitchers, with Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees leading the charge. Cole has been a workhorse for the Yankees, with a low ERA and high strikeout rate. His ability to pitch deep into games and consistently deliver strong performances has kept him at the top of the Cy Young conversation.

Other notable candidates include Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays, who has been exceptional with his strikeout prowess and run prevention. Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros, despite being older, continues to perform at an elite level, adding to the competitive nature of the Cy Young race.

**National League Cy Young Contenders**

In the National League, Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves is emerging as a leading Cy Young contender. Strider’s overpowering fastball and impressive strikeout numbers have made him a key asset for the Braves. His ability to dominate hitters and deliver in crucial moments of the season has put him at the forefront of the Cy Young race.

Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies is another name to watch. Wheeler’s consistent performances and ability to pitch deep into games make him a strong candidate. His contributions have been vital for the Phillies as they push for a playoff spot.

**Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year**

The Rookie of the Year races are also shaping up nicely. In the American League, Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees and Masataka Yoshida of the Boston Red Sox are making strong cases with their impactful performances. In the National League, Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals is a standout with his impressive debut season.

For Manager of the Year, the performance of the Braves’ Brian Snitker and the Orioles’ Brandon Hyde will be under scrutiny. Both have led their teams to strong seasons and could be recognized for their exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.

As the season progresses, expect the competition for these awards to become even more heated. With standout performances and critical games on the horizon, the MLB awards watch promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair.