Al 30 MLB teams are deep into their Opening Series. With the 2024 season underway, let’s check out Chris Driscoll’s predictions for the major MLB awards.
Looking for more MLB content from Chris Driscoll? Click here for his 2024 positional rankings.
AL Manager of the Year: Stephen Vogt
The Guardians are projected to win about 81 games this season. I think they will be at least a few games higher for two reasons: Jose Ramirez and Stephen Vogt. Ramirez has been with Cleveland for a while, but I expect his leadership and production to improve under a new manager. Vogt has no management experience but played in MLB for 11 seasons. Vogt will bring a modern-day player perspective into the clubhouse, leading the Guardians to the postseason.
NL Manager of the Year: David Bell
My prediction for the NL Manager of the Year is the complete opposite of the AL Manager of the Year. Bell has been coaching professional baseball since 2008, in MLB since 2013, and the Reds’ manager since 2019. I fully expect the Reds to take another step this year and potentially make the postseason. Bell will be one of the main reasons for their success.
AL Comeback Player of the Year: Carlos Rodon
After finishing sixth in Cy Young voting in 2022, Rodon signed a thick contract with the Yankees. He did not live up to the contract in his first year. Rodon got injured at the beginning of the season, started 14 games, and finished with a 6.85 ERA. He just turned 31, so while his best days might be behind him, I would be surprised if he completely fell off after one injury.
Carlos Rodón, Elevated 93mph Cutter…and is Fired up. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/piJ3Lusuq9
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 30, 2024
NL Comeback Player of the Year: Kris Bryant
Bryant has not played many games in the past couple of years. In 2022, made 42 appearances. That number jumped to 80 last year. He delivered a wRC+ of 125 in 2022 and 73 in 2023. Bryant just turned 31, so as long as he stays healthy, he should improve significantly.
AL Rookie of The Year: Colton Cowser
Cowser been very impressive through the years. He had a .937 OPS last year in Triple-A and a .874 OPS throughout three different levels in 2022. Even though he performed at a below-average rate in the majors last year, it came over a small sample size. Given how great the Orioles’ development team has been through the years, I fully expect Cowser to have a breakout rookie season.
Orioles OF Colton Cowser was electrifying in the playoffs last season. He hit the system’s biggest HR. At MLB camp months later he’s bigger which translates to even better metrics. Out of every prospect in Sarasota he’s the most ready to make the jump, but it’s very close #elite https://t.co/UmceUt1wMc pic.twitter.com/geQmXiyKuM
— Eric_Birdland (@Eric_Birdland) February 24, 2024
NL Rookie of The Year: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
For someone who has more hype than just about any other rookie that I can remember, sportsbooks don’t have the most favorable odds on Yamamoto winning Rookie of the Year. Even after his horrendous first start, I find it hard to believe Yamamoto won’t be one of the award’s front-runners by the end of the season.
AL Cy Young: Kevin Gausman
Gausman is one of the more underrated pitchers in the league. Last year, he finished seventh in the league in ERA, third in FIP, and third in fWAR. This consistency across the board leads me to believe he will have a similar (or even better) season this year. He just turned 33, so it will be interesting to see how his game ages.
NL Cy Young: Zack Wheeler
Buckle in: I believe Wheeler will be baseball’s best pitcher this year. He finished first in fWAR and fourth in Expected ERA last year. Besides Wheeler, I think Logan Webb and Spencer Strider have the next best shot. There are a ton of injuries for National League pitchers this year, so there is not a ton of competition. Between injuries and my expectations for Wheeler improving, this is probably the best year for him to win it.
A look at Zack Wheeler's Fastball & Splitter Combo (Overlay). pic.twitter.com/V5HBSsIpcr
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 29, 2024
AL MVP: Aaron Judge
No surprises here. With Shohei Ohtani moving to the NL, Judge is comfortably positioned as the best player in the AL. Many would argue that his new teammate, Juan Soto, has the edge, but I think Judge has been better at the plate the past couple of years. Plus, he’s a significant improvement over Soto in the field. Injuries have continued to hold Judge back, but if he can stay healthy in 2024, he has an inside track to his second career MVP honors.
NL MVP: Fernando Tatis Jr.
I’m expecting big things from Tatis this season. After missing significant time due to an injury and suspension, Tatis returned as one of the best players in the league last year. Even though his wRC+ was nothing overwhelming (113), he still finished 13th in fWAR because of his elite glovework. I also expect his bat to be much better this year, and he’ll remain dominant in the field.
Fernando Tatis Jr. pimp jobs never fail to make me feel something. pic.twitter.com/DYfwzWF2aJ
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) March 30, 2024
