MLB Awards Predictions: Who'll Challenge for MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year?
#Shohei Ohtani #Paul Skenes #MVP #Cy Young #Elly De La Cruz #Dodgers #Pirates #2026 season
📌 Key Takeaways
- Shohei Ohtani is the predicted NL MVP favorite due to his two-way play for the Dodgers.
- Paul Skenes is the predicted NL Cy Young winner, having won unanimously in 2025.
- Elly De La Cruz is a darkhorse NL MVP candidate with unique tools despite a 2025 injury.
- Eury Pérez is highlighted as a darkhorse NL Cy Young candidate.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
MLB Awards, Player Predictions
📚 Related People & Topics
Cy Young
American baseball player (1867–1955)
Denton True "Cy" Young (March 29, 1867 – November 4, 1955) was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher. Born in Gilmore, Ohio, he worked on his family's farm as a youth before starting his professional baseball career. Young entered the major leagues in 1890 with the National League's Clevel...
Shohei Ohtani
Japanese baseball player (born 1994)
Shohei Ohtani (born July 5, 1994) is a Japanese professional baseball designated hitter and pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Nicknamed "Shotime", he has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hokkaido N...
Elly De La Cruz
Dominican baseball player (born 2002)
Elly Antonio De La Cruz (born January 11, 2002) is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2018 and made his MLB debut in 2023. He was selected for the 2024 and 2025 MLB All-Star Gam...
Paul Skenes
American baseball player (born 2002)
Paul David Skenes (, born May 29, 2002) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2024. Skenes played college baseball for the Air Force Falcons and Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers.
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This analysis matters because MLB awards shape player legacies, influence contract negotiations worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and affect team strategies and fan engagement. The predictions impact fantasy baseball decisions, sports betting markets, and media narratives throughout the season. For players like Shohei Ohtani, awards recognition can cement their status as generational talents, while darkhorse candidates like Elly De La Cruz represent hope for smaller-market franchises seeking competitive advantages.
Context & Background
- Shohei Ohtani made history in 2021 as the first player since Babe Ruth to excel as both an elite hitter and pitcher, winning the AL MVP unanimously
- Paul Skenes' 2024 rookie season with a 1.96 ERA was historically dominant, drawing comparisons to pitching legends like Dwight Gooden's 1985 campaign
- The MVP award has been dominated by outfielders and designated hitters in recent years, with no pitcher winning since Clayton Kershaw in 2014
- Rookie of the Year winners often see significant salary increases and become franchise cornerstones, as seen with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Julio Rodríguez
What Happens Next
The 2026 MLB season will begin in late March/early April, with award races developing through summer months. Key milestones include All-Star voting in June-July, September playoff pushes where MVP candidates can separate themselves, and award announcements in November after the World Series. Player performances in April-May will either validate or challenge these preseason predictions, with injuries potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohtani's unique two-way capabilities provide unprecedented value, as he contributes both elite pitching and hitting. His transition to the National League with the Dodgers gives him a stronger supporting cast that could enhance his statistics. Historical precedent shows he already won MVP as a DH, and adding pitching value makes him even more formidable.
Skenes has demonstrated remarkable consistency with back-to-back sub-2.00 ERA seasons, a rarity in modern baseball. His unanimous 2025 Cy Young win establishes him as the established ace in the National League. At just 24 years old entering 2026, he's in his prime with potential for further development.
Injuries significantly impact award races, as De La Cruz's 2025 quad strain explains his second-half power decline. Healthy players with proven tools become compelling bounce-back candidates. Teams often manage injuries carefully, so preseason health reports will determine if darkhorse candidates can sustain production.
Rookie predictions are difficult because prospects have limited MLB track records and face adjustment periods to major league pitching. Unexpected call-ups, like Evan Carter in 2023, can emerge mid-season and change the race. International signings and college draftees may debut at different times, creating uncertainty.