Predicting the MLB award winners heading into the 2022 season

Harper has already received two MVP Awards, together with final 12 months, and has the lineup round him to see his numbers develop much more after the Phils signed Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber. He might put himself among the many sport’s elite of all time by profitable his third award.

If Ohtani is wholesome, he must be thought of the overwhelming favourite to win the AL MVP once more as a historical past two-way participant. If solely the Angels might win extra video games.

Burnes received his first Cy Younger Award final season, and the metrics counsel he really underperformed with a league-best 2.43 ERA. His elite stuff and management made him completely unhittable, and Burnes will lead an incredible Brewers beginning rotation as soon as once more in 2022.

Cole is a family identify with a large contract and 4 All-Star appearances, however he is but to win a Cy Younger Award. He has come very shut, ending high 5 within the voting in 4 consecutive seasons, together with second final 12 months. This might lastly be Cole’s 12 months.

A comparatively unknown prospect, Beer has mashed within the majors however hasn’t seen a possibility attributable to his poor protection. That lastly modifications now that the NL has added the DH, as Beer might add large energy to the Diamondbacks lineup.

The hype is actual. Witt is called arguably the highest prospect within the sport, and he is doing every little thing he can to interrupt camp with the Royals. Witt might be a 30/30 man in his rookie season.

The Padres had a really disappointing 2021 season, ending under .500, however have turned to a confirmed supervisor in Melvin. Melvin and the brand new Padres teaching workers will get the credit score if the Padres return to the playoffs, although they’ve loads of expertise, particularly on the pitching workers.

Hinch’s squad already overachieved final season with 77 wins. They added vital expertise within the offseason, together with Javier Baez and Eduardo Rodriguez, and have a number of high prospects on the cusp of the majors. The inflow of expertise might present a lift for Hinch’s prospects, particularly in a mediocre AL Central division.

Dombrowski is thought for constructing championship groups, and the Phils might be his subsequent feat. He was aggressive within the offseason, rebuilding the bullpen and signing large energy to a workforce that already had its justifiable share. A rebound season from Aaron Nola might additionally go a great distance in sending Philly again to the playoffs.

Clevinger missed all of 2021 attributable to Tommy John surgical procedure, however he is had time to completely get well. He isn’t receiving a lot hype behind Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, and Joe Musgrove within the Padres rotation, however confirmed throughout his days in Cleveland that he has ace capability.

Trout missed most of final season attributable to a nagging calf harm, so he is the plain candidate to win AL Comeback Participant of the Yr. The arduous half, after all, will probably be staying on the sector, as Trout final performed greater than 140 video games in 2016.

Hader had already received three reliever awards in his five-year profession and continues to anchor the Brewers pen. He is coming off a profession 12 months and has the assist of an impressive pitching workers round him.

Supervisor Kevin Money has been masterful at utilizing his bullpen, and Kittredge is arguably his greatest weapon. He has a sub-3.00 ERA in back-to-back seasons and will get extra alternatives to shut this 12 months.

Arenado has a outstanding 5 Platinum Gloves in his profession and would not appear to be slowing down defensively. A groundball-heavy pitching workers in St. Louis ought to hold him busy.

Buxton is a former Platinum Glove winner, however his largest concern has been staying wholesome with just one 100-game season within the majors. With unimaginable vary, one other wholesome season ought to actually put him within the working.

The DH award will probably be harder with the NL including the spot, however the award is seemingly Ohtani’s to lose. He confirmed off elite hitting final season and is simply coming into his prime.

Freeman received the World Collection with Atlanta final 12 months and is primed to have extra success on the elite Dodgers roster this 12 months. The primary baseman has a profession .916 OPS within the postseason.

Springer noticed his justifiable share of playoff expertise in his profession with Houston, taking part in 63 video games over 5 seasons. He could lead on a younger and proficient Jays roster within the playoffs.

Guerrero doubtless would have received the MVP final 12 months in any regular 12 months with out Shohei Ohtani dominating as a two-way participant, however he is nonetheless efficiently following in his father’s footsteps as an elite hitter. The reigning All-Star MVP nonetheless has the flexibility to return up large on the massive stage.