The regular season is gone and the playoffs are in full swing. Before these eight teams duke it out for the league’s primary piece of hardware, the World Series trophy, let’s give out some individual accolades to the greatest seasons put forth by the best from each league. We’ll cover the following categories for both the AL and NL:
- Most Valuable Player
- Cy Young Award
- Rookie Of The Year
- Manager Of The Year
- Executive Of The Year
- Comeback Player Of The Year
- Silver Slugger Award
- Gold Glove Award
- Mariano Rivera/Trevor Hoffman Reliever Of The Year
- Hank Aaron Award
Without further ado, let’s go from the bottom of the list to the top (in no other particular order) starting with the Hank Aaron Award for the best hitter in each league.
HANK AARON AWARD
National League: Bryce Harper, OF (Washington Nationals)
Despite the incredible underachievement by the Nationals as a whole, Harper is going to clean up at both this and the real life MLB awards banquet. For this particular award, you just have to put his batting prowess into perspective. His .330 average was second best in the NL. The 42 home runs he hit tied him with Nolan Arenado for first. The most out of his control statistic, runs batted in, saw him still finish fifth even with his supporting cast crumbling around him. His 1.109 OPS was a full tenth of a point better than his closest competitor.
Runners-Up: 2-Nolan Arenado, 3B (Rockies), 3-Paul Goldschmidt, 1B (Diamondbacks), 4-Joey Votto, 1B (Reds)
American League: Josh Donaldson, 3B (Toronto Blue Jays)
Like Harper, expect to see Donaldson’s name pop up several times over the course of this article. The Bringer of Rain was the only man in the American League to place in the top five of total hits (5th, 184), doubles (T-4th, 41), and home runs (T-3rd, 41). He was the centerpiece of a Blue Jays offense that cranked out 891 runs, a figure over 100 runs higher than the second place Yankees. He experienced no growing pains at all following his offseason trade from Oakland to Toronto and has quickly become a fan favorite. As the fans have a say in the presentation of this particular award, I’d say that only helps a beloved member of Canada’s only team.
Runners-Up: 2-Mike Trout, OF (Angels), 3-Nelson Cruz, OF (Mariners), 4-Manny Machado, 3B (Orioles)
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
National League: Joey Votto, 1B (Cincinnati Reds)
Last year many pundits were ready to chalk up the over $200 million owed to Joey Votto as dead money. Instead, the former MVP proved that 2014 was an outlier rather than the new normal with a resurgent 2015. He hit .314 with 29 home runs and 80 RBI while leading the Majors with 143 walks. To boot, he played shining first base and stole double digit bags (11) for just the second time in his career at age 31. With Votto looking healthy again and a young pitching staff that gained a wealth of experience this year, the Reds could jump back into contention very soon.
Runners-Up: 2-Matt Harvey, RHP (Mets), 3-Bryce Harper, OF (Nationals), 4-Jaime Garcia, LHP (Cardinals)
American League: Alex Rodriguez, DH (New York Yankees)
During his Biogenesis scandal-induced suspension, both haters and lovers of the famed Yankee pinstripes wanted Alex Rodriguez to just fade into the ether. Instead, the legendary slugger defied the wishes of the horded masses and took his place as the Yankees’ designated hitter. He then went on to have his best year in half a decade hitting 33 home runs and driving in 86. He was the sixth 39+ year old player to hit 30 long balls in one season. He also passed Willie Mays on the all-time home run list and got his 3000th career hit. More importantly for him and the city, the Bronx Bombers returned to the postseason. Although his latest playoff run was just the one game, his assault on the record books will surely continue next season. But for now he should just add this award to his already overflowing trophy case.
Runners-Up: 2-Jason Kipnis, 2B (Indians), 3-Kendrys Morales, DH (Royals), 4-Chris Davis, 1B (Orioles)
MANAGER OF THE YEAR
National League: Joe Maddon, Chicago Cubs
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Get the Cubs to 90 wins for the first time since 2008. Check. Get the Cubs back into the postseason for the first time since that same season. Check. Get the Cubs past the Pirates in the Wild Card game. Check. Joe Maddon has more than fulfilled the hype surrounding his move from Tampa Bay to the north side of Chicago this offseason. He’s perfectly blended the youth and veteran presences on the squad in both the starting rotation and batting order. He should be the biggest slam dunk winner of any award handed out this fall.
Runners-Up: 2-Mike Matheny (Cardinals), 3-Clint Hurdle (Pirates), 4-Terry Collins (Mets)
American League: A.J. Hinch, Houston Astros
Raise your hand if you picked the Astros to make the playoffs in 2015. All zero of you can now put your hand down. What Hinch was able to do with a roster filled with “potentials” and “possibles” was nothing short of amazing. The Astros led the AL West for the majority of the 2015 before a couple of small injuries, and an absolute blitzkrieg from the Rangers, put them into the Wild Card. Though the postseason doesn’t factor into voters decisions, Houston’s first two playoff wins since 2005 are going to be fresh on voters’ minds. There were several fine coaching jobs in the American League this year, but none finer than Hinch’s.
Runners-Up: 2-Jeff Banister (Rangers), 3-Paul Molitor (Twins), 4-John Gibbons (Blue Jays)
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
National League: Kris Bryant, 3B (Chicago Cubs)
There were two separate times over the course of the 2015 season that the NL Rookie of the Year had the makings of a two horse race. The initial horse to fall by the wayside was Los Angeles’ Joc Pederson, who hit a dreadful skid during the dog days of summer putting his batting average dangerously close to the Mendoza Line. Jung Ho Kang’s run as the second horse was sadly cut short by a broken leg and torn MCL. Honestly though, neither of those two fine young players were probably going to catch Kris Bryant in the balloting anyway. The influential All-Star third baseman for the Cubs had North Siders clamoring for his arrival since before the Opening Day first pitch. When he finally arrived in mid-April, he made the wait (albeit a small one) very worth it. He hit .275 with 26 home runs and 99 RBI. He showed surprising versatility by playing all over the outfield as well as third and first. He was a integral component in the dawning of a new era at Wrigley.
Runners-Up: 2-Jung Ho Kang, 3B (Pirates), 3-Noah Syndergaard, RHP (Mets), 4-Matt Duffy, 3B (Giants)
American League: Carlos Correa, SS (Houston Astros)
While the National League led the charge in the so-called “Year of the Rookie”, one shouldn’t sleep on the bevy of talent that made their way to The Show from the American League in 2015. The main junior on the junior circuit was former number 1 overall pick Carlos Correa. In just 99 games, Correa set an Astros’ franchise record for a shortstop with 22 home runs. He didn’t flinch in being inserted into the number three hole in the lineup in the middle of a pennant chase. The 21 year old showed poise at the plate and some flashiness with the glove as well. He had some stiff competition from fellow shortstop Francisco Lindor, but the fact that Correa’s team made the playoffs and the amount he contributed to that fact put him over the top.
Runners-Up: 2-Francisco Lindor, SS (Indians), 3-Miguel Sano, 3B (Twins), 4-Roberto Osuna, RHP (Blue Jays)
RELIEVER OF THE YEAR
Mariano Rivera Award (American League): Andrew Miller, LHP (New York Yankees)
Andrew Miller was never viewed as closer material in either of his last two AL East stops, Boston and Baltimore. He was given that opportunity in New York and he ran with it. He was the maestro of a nasty bullpen with All-Star Dellin Betances and winter acquisition Justin Wilson. Miller shined in his first season closing notching 36 saves with a 2.04 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, a ridiculous .151 BAA and 100 K in 61 2/3 innings. He struck out more than 14 batters per nine innings for the fifth straight year. It is fitting that in its second year of existence that this Yankee takes home the Mariano Rivera Award.
Runners-Up: 2-Shawn Tolleson, RHP (Rangers), 3-Zach Britton, LHP (Orioles), 4-Wade Davis, RHP (Royals)
Trevor Hoffman Award (National League): Mark Melancon, RHP (Pittsburgh Pirates)
The Pirates had the most fearsome bullpen in the National League and Mark Melancon was the figurehead of the unit. Melancon recorded a 2.23 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP and only blew 2 of the 53 save opportunities he had for the 98-win Pirates. His 51 saves made him the first Pirate to lead the National League in the category since Dave Giusti back in 1971. The Pirates are probably going to have to double the salary of their ninth inning man this offseason just as they did this past winter.
Runners-Up: 2-Trevor Rosenthal, RHP (Cardinals), 3-Jeurys Familia, RHP (Mets), 4-Kenley Jansen, RHP (Dodgers)
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
National League: Sandy Alderson, New York Mets
Sandy Alderson isn’t far removed from being viewed as over his head and out of touch with the sport in the New York market. Now as his Mets have the division crown and a date with the Dodgers in the NLDS, the tune has changed surrounding Sandy. He built a hell of a farm system (Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, etc.) and it all came to roost this summer. In terms of in-season moves, no one move may have proved more impactful than Sandy’s acquisition of Yoenis Cespedes (17 HR, 44 RBI, 39 runs in NY).
Runners-Up: 2-Neal Huntington (Pirates), 3-Jed Hoyer (Cubs), 4-John Mozeliak (Cardinals)
American League: Alex Anthopoulos, Toronto Blue Jays
Similarly to Alderson in the National League, Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays front office have been routinely mocked for trying to make huge franchise altering trades that ultimately blow up in their face. No such implosion came this season as every move Alex Anthopoulos made turned to gold. It all started with the signing of Russell Martin from the Pirates to provide leadership and pop from a premium position. Next was the offseason trade for Josh Donaldson from the A’s, who will probably be the AL MVP. Mid-season deals for Troy Tulowitzki and David Price were also home runs as well. Toronto is back in a big way because of this man.
Runners-Up: 2-Jon Daniels (Rangers), 3-Jeff Luhnow (Astros), 4-Dayton Moore (Royals)
GOLD GLOVES
National League:
Starting Pitcher- Brett Anderson (Dodgers) 1.000 F%, 2.55 RF, 0.0 DWAR, 0 errors
Catcher- Wilson Ramos (Nationals) .995 F%, 9.21 RF, .444 CS%, 1.8 DWAR, 6 errors
First Baseman- Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks) .997 F%, 9.78 RF, 0.9 DWAR, 5 errors
Second Baseman- Dee Gordon (Marlins) .992 F%, 5.15 RF, 1.8 DWAR, 6 errors
Third Baseman- Nolan Arenado (Rockies) .966 F%, 3.24 RF, 2.2 DWAR, 17 errors
Shortstop- Andrelton Simmons (Braves) .988 F%, 4.78 RF, 3.5 DWAR, 8 errors
Left Fielder- Starling Marte (Pirates) .995 F%, 1.48 RF, 15 outfield assists, 2.0 DWAR, 1 error
Center Fielder- Juan Lagares (Mets) .993 F%, 2.53 RF, 3 outfield assists, 0.4 DWAR, 2 errors
Right Fielder- Jason Heyward (Cardinals) .990 F%, 2.12 RF, 9 outfield assists, 2.0 DWAR, 3 errors
American League:
Starting Pitcher- Sonny Gray (Athletics) 1.000 F%, 2.60 RF, 0.0 DWAR, 0 errors
Catcher- Jason Castro (Astros) .999 F%, 8.55 RF, .364 CS%, 1.2 DWAR, 1 error
First Baseman- Eric Hosmer (Royals) .997 F%, 9.05 RF, -0.9 DWAR, 4 errors
Second Baseman- Jose Altuve (Astros) .993 F%, 4.49 RF, 0.8 DWAR, 5 errors
Third Baseman- Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays) .959 F%, 2.90 RF, 1.5 DWAR, 18 errors
Shortstop- J.J. Hardy (Orioles) .993 F%, 4.00 RF, 1.1 DWAR, 3 errors
Left Fielder- Alex Gordon (Royals) 1.000 F%, 2.05 RF, 4 outfield assists, 0.4 DWAR, 0 errors
Center Fielder- Kevin Kiermaier (Rays) .988 F%, 3.26 RF, 15 outfield assists, 5.0 DWAR, 5 errors
Right Fielder- J.D. Martinez (Tigers) .993 F%, 1.93 RF, 15 outfield assists, -0.2 DWAR, 2 errors
SILVER SLUGGERS
National League:
Starting Pitcher- Madison Bumgarner (Giants) .247 BA, 5 HR, 9 RBI, .468 SLG, .743 OPS
Catcher- Buster Posey (Giants) .318 BA, 19 HR, 95 RBI, .470 SLG, .849 OPS
First Baseman- Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks) .321 BA, 33 HR, 110 RBI, .570 SLG, 1.005 OPS
Second Baseman- Daniel Murphy (Mets) .281 BA, 14 HR, 73 RBI, .449 SLG, .770 OPS
Third Baseman- Nolan Arenado (Rockies) .287 BA, 42 HR, 130 RBI, .575 SLG, .898 OPS
Shortstop- Brandon Crawford (Giants) .256 BA, 21 HR, 84 RBI, .462 SLG, .782 OPS
Outfielder- Bryce Harper (Nationals) .330 BA, 42 HR, 99 RBI, .649 SLG, 1.109 OPS
Outfielder- Carlos Gonzalez (Rockies) .271 BA, 40 HR, 97 RBI, .540 SLG, .864 OPS
Outfielder- David Peralta (Diamondbacks) .312 BA, 17 HR, 78 RBI, .522 SLG, .893 OPS
American League:
Designated Hitter- David Ortiz (Red Sox) .273 BA, 37 HR, 108 RBI, .553 SLG, .913 OPS
Catcher- Russell Martin (Blue Jays) .240 BA, 23 HR, 77 RBI, .458 SLG, .787 OPS
First Baseman- Chris Davis (Orioles) .262 BA, 47 HR, 117 RBI, .562 SLG, .923 OPS
Second Baseman- Jose Altuve (Astros) .313 BA, 15 HR, 66 RBI, .459 SLG, .812 OPS
Third Baseman- Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays) .297 BA, 41 HR, 123 RBI, .568 SLG, .939 OPS
Shortstop- Carlos Correa (Astros) .279 BA, 22 HR, 68 RBI, .512 SLG, .857 OPS
Outfielder- Mike Trout (Angels) .299 BA, 41 HR, 90 RBI, .590 SLG, .991 OPS
Outfielder- Nelson Cruz (Mariners) .302 BA, 44 HR, 93 RBI, .566 SLG, .936 OPS
Outfielder- J.D. Martinez (Tigers) .282 BA, 38 HR, 102 RBI, .535 SLG, .879 OPS
CY YOUNG AWARD
National League: Zack Greinke, RHP (Los Angeles Dodgers)
There is not a tougher awards race to call than for the National League Cy Young. There are three candidates that in any other year would win the award going away. Dodgers righty Zack Greinke’s numbers I feel are just a shade better than his two competitors, teammate Clayton Kershaw and Cubs ace Jake Arrieta. Looking at the majestic statline of Greinke is made even more surreal by the fact he is the Dodgers’ NUMBER TWO starter. His 19-3 record gave him a league best .864 winning percentage. If like most baseball followers these days wins don’t do it for you, try on his 1.66 ERA (lowest since Greg Maddux in 1995) and 0.84 WHIP (the 15th lowest in MLB history) on for size. His 9.3 WAR was the highest among pitchers and only behind Bryce Harper and Mike Trout among all Major Leaguers. It is a close call putting Greinke on top, but it is the right call.
Runners-Up: 2-Jake Arrieta, RHP (Cubs), 3-Clayton Kershaw, LHP (Dodgers), 4-Max Scherzer, RHP (Nationals)
American League: Dallas Keuchel, LHP (Houston Astros)
While the NL Cy Young Race will come down to personal preference, there is very few, if any, who would prefer a candidate other than Houston’s Dallas Keuchel for the American League award. If Keuchel’s building off his breakout 2014 was an actual building, it would be the Burj Khalifa. The southpaw led the American League in wins with 20 and WHIP at 1.02. He struck out 216 in an AL-leading 232 innings and walked just 51. His 2.48 ERA was second to David Price, his closest competitor and biggest endorser, in the league. Keuchel was the stopper that Houston needed to keep pace in both the AL West and Wild Card races. His performance in the AL Wild Card game (though “irrelevant” in voting) should only cement himself as the winner in the eyes of the BBWAA.
Runners-Up: 2-David Price, LHP (Blue Jays/Tigers), 3-Sonny Gray, RHP (Athletics), 4-Chris Sale, LHP (White Sox)
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
National League: Bryce Harper, OF (Washington Nationals)
Don’t tell Jonathan Papelbon (that joke has to be getting old by now) but Bryce Harper was the most valuable player in the National League this season. Not to harp on any of the same points from the Hank Aaron Award blurb, but the Nationals lineup found itself bereft of consistency all year outside of Harper. As they went through prolonged dry spells that should have put them out of contention entirely, Harper kept them in the thick of things. To put this in perspective for numbers people, Harper’s war was a league high 9.9. The next highest on the team? Well, that would be Ian Desmond, a .233 hitter, at 2.0. Folks, remember that he’s just 22. Better polish up this award a few more times for Bam-Bam before his career is over.
Runners-Up: 2-Anthony Rizzo, 1B (Cubs), 3-Jake Arrieta, RHP (Cubs), 4-Paul Goldschmidt, 1B (Diamondbacks)
American League: Josh Donaldson, 3B (Toronto Blue Jays)
Just like Harper in NL, the Hank Aaron Award winner in the American League is also the league’s MVP. Donaldson has been a god send for a Blue Jays team that had done nothing but strike out on the trade market over the years. He was the heart of an infield defense that improved overnight and made an already potent lineup historically great. His 8.8 WAR was second to only Mike Trout but that shouldn’t be viewed as a slight to his importance to the Jays. Toronto is talented, but they only broke through because of Josh Donaldson.
Runners-Up: 2-Mike Trout, OF (Angels), 3-Nelson Cruz, OF (Mariners), 4-Lorenzo Cain, OF (Royals)
Do you agree with the selections? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook, on Twitter at myself @TREVORutley or the site @sportsftb. Enjoy the playoffs and may the odds be ever in your team’s favor.