Anticipated Baseball Honors for 2026 Season
With the baseball season drawing to a close and an unpredictable winter approaching, discussions in the industry are dominated by the looming lockout, free agency speculation, and season reviews. Even as fans eagerly await the return of any MLB game, a crucial task remains: celebrating the exceptional talent of the 2026 season through its annual awards.
Following a playoff series marked by predictable outcomes, the various award races are generally expected to follow a similar pattern. This consistent performance from top players and teams is seen as a positive development for Major League Baseball. The Pitcher List team has diligently compiled their comprehensive forecasts, including their top choices, overlooked contenders, and bold predictions, as the awards week draws near. Their analysis, informed by contributions from over 20 writers, encapsulates the significant highlights of the 2026 MLB season.
The predictions for the American League MVP overwhelmingly favor Yordan Alvarez, whose remarkable season, including 42 home runs and 106 RBIs, firmly established his candidacy. In the National League, Pete Crow-Armstrong emerged as the consensus MVP, distinguishing himself with a 40/40 season and exceptional defense after Shohei Ohtani's injury opened up the race. The AL Cy Young is projected to go to Cam Schlittler, who, in his second year, achieved a sub-2 ERA and a sub-1 WHIP, making him a dominant force. Similarly, Jacob Misiorowski is expected to win the NL Cy Young, having led the Brewers' ascent with an extraordinary stretch of pitching early in the season. The Rookie of the Year awards present a more contested field, with Parker Messick and Kevin McGonigle splitting votes in the AL, while J.J. Wetherholt, Carson Benge, and Sal Stewart are closely matched in the NL, each bringing unique strengths to their respective teams. Will Venable of the Chicago White Sox is the leading candidate for AL Manager of the Year for transforming a struggling team into a contender, while Pat Murphy is favored for NL Manager of the Year, continuing his impressive run with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The season's accolades extend to relief pitchers, with Cade Smith earning the AL Reliever of the Year for his consistent performance and numerous saves, and Mason Miller recognized as the NL Reliever of the Year for his dominant strikeout rates. Additionally, Yordan Alvarez is noted for his comeback in the AL, and Zack Wheeler for his inspiring return from injury in the NL. These awards not only honor individual achievements but also inspire a commitment to excellence and perseverance, reminding us that with talent, hard work, and determination, remarkable success can be achieved, fostering a spirit of triumph and resilience within the sport.