MLB Awards Week: A Celebration of Baseball’s Best
Welcome to MLB Awards Week, the time of year when baseball fans get to relive the season’s most electrifying moments and honor the players, managers, and teams that made it unforgettable. November has become synonymous with awards season in Major League Baseball, a perfect way to keep fans engaged before the hot stove season heats up. From Gold Gloves to MVPs, this week has been packed with accolades that will forever be etched in baseball history.
Let’s dive into the highlights of the week, from the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year winners to the crowning of the MVPs. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 MLB Awards.
Rookie of the Year: A Glimpse of the Future
The week kicked off with the announcement of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award winners. In the National League, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes took home the honor, while the American League celebrated Luis Gil of the New York Yankees.
- Paul Skenes: Dominated with a strikeout rate of at least 11 per nine innings and an ERA under 2. He’s already a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award.
- Luis Gil: Stepped up for the Yankees with 15 wins, 141 strikeouts, and a 3.50 ERA, proving to be a crucial piece in their rotation.
Both players showcased immense talent, and their performances hint at bright futures ahead.
Manager of the Year: Leading the Charge
On Tuesday, the spotlight shifted to the dugout as the 2024 Managers of the Year were revealed. In the American League, Stephen Vogt of the Cleveland Guardians earned the honor, while Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers claimed the National League title.
Vogt guided the Guardians to an AL Central title, while Murphy led the Brewers to a 10-game division win despite losing key players. Both managers demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategy throughout the season.
Cy Young Awards: Pitching Perfection
Wednesday was all about the pitchers, as the Cy Young Awards were handed out. In the American League, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers took home his first Cy Young, while the National League honored Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves.
Skubal’s dominance was undeniable, leading the AL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Sale, on the other hand, completed a remarkable comeback season, finishing with an 18-3 record and a 2.38 ERA. Both pitchers were unanimous choices, cementing their status as the best in the game.
MVPs: The Crown Jewels
The week culminated with the announcement of the Most Valuable Player Awards. In the American League, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees claimed his second MVP title, while Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers made history in the National League.
Judge’s season was nothing short of legendary, with a .322/.458/.701 slash line, 58 home runs, and 144 RBIs. His 10.8 bWAR ranks among the best in AL history, placing him alongside legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. Ohtani, meanwhile, became the first player to hit 54 home runs and steal 59 bases in a single season, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
Looking Ahead
As MLB Awards Week wraps up, it’s clear that 2024 was a season to remember. From breakout rookies to historic MVP campaigns, the year was filled with moments that will be talked about for generations. With the hot stove season just around the corner, fans can only wonder what 2025 has in store.
Originally Written by: David Schoenfield
