The baseball world is buzzing with anticipation as we approach the 2026 MLB season, and the race for the top awards is heating up. In this editorial, I'll delve into the key contenders across each division, offering my insights and predictions on who might etch their names in baseball history this year.
The American League East: A Competitive Showdown
The AL East is a powerhouse division, and the award predictions here are intriguing. Aaron Judge of the Yankees is a no-brainer for MVP, given his consistent performance and health in recent years. However, one can't help but wonder if age will catch up with him, as it does with many players. Garrett Crochet of the Red Sox is my pick for Cy Young, as he narrowly missed out last year and has the potential to dominate again. Trey Yesavage, the Blue Jays' rookie sensation, could be a dark horse for Rookie of the Year, especially if he continues his postseason heroics into the regular season.
What many don't realize is that the Orioles' new manager, Craig Albernaz, could be a surprise winner for Manager of the Year. The Orioles have underperformed in recent seasons, but with a talented roster, Albernaz might just be the catalyst for a turnaround.
Central Divisions: Rising Stars and Veteran Excellence
Moving to the AL Central, José Ramírez of the Guardians is a player I believe deserves more recognition. He's been consistently excellent, and with his recent contract extension, he's a strong MVP contender. In the NL Central, Elly De La Cruz of the Reds is a player to watch, as his physical prowess could make him a dominant force in the league. Paul Skenes of the Pirates is my Cy Young pick, as his career ERA under 2.00 speaks for itself.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for a rookie showdown in the AL Central. Carter Jensen of the Royals and JJ Wetherholt of the Cardinals are both poised to make significant impacts. Jensen's debut last year was impressive, and he could be a game-changer for the Royals. Wetherholt, on the other hand, is set to lead off on Opening Day for the Cardinals, symbolizing the team's bright future.
The West Coast Contenders
Out West, the MVP race is a fascinating one. Julio Rodríguez of the Mariners has been on the cusp of greatness for a while, and this could be his breakout year. In the NL West, Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers is a no-brainer, given his all-around excellence. Personally, I think Ohtani's impact on the game cannot be overstated, and he's a player who transcends traditional awards.
The Cy Young race in the AL West is a health-dependent affair. Jacob deGrom of the Rangers is a phenomenal pitcher when he's on the mound, but his injury history is a concern. Similarly, the Astros' rookie Tatsuya Imai could be a game-changer if he transitions well from Japan's NPB to the MLB.
The National League East: A Division of Surprises
The NL East is a division that could produce some surprises. Juan Soto of the Mets is a prime MVP candidate, as he's been building towards a peak season. Chris Sale of the Braves is my Cy Young pick, as his career resurgence is an inspiring story. The Phillies' Justin Crawford, son of Carl Crawford, could be a game-changer in the outfield, adding much-needed speed to their lineup.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the potential for the Marlins to shake up the division. Clayton McCullough, their manager, could be in the spotlight if the Marlins make it a four-team race, as my colleague Mike Petriello suggests.
Final Thoughts: The Unpredictable Nature of Baseball
As we look ahead to the 2026 MLB season, it's clear that the award races are wide open. From veteran stars like Judge and Ohtani to rising talents like Yesavage and Jensen, the competition is fierce. The managers, too, have their work cut out for them, with several teams poised for potential turnarounds. In the end, the beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability, and I can't wait to see which players and managers will rise to the occasion and make their mark on the game's history.
