The MLB awards season is in full swing, with the Baseball Writers’ Association of America preparing to honor the standout performances of the 2024 season. The prestigious Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young, and Most Valuable Player awards will soon be announced.
On Monday evening, MLB Network unveiled the American and National League finalists for each category. The winners will be revealed during a series of live broadcasts on MLB Network next week at 6 p.m. ET on the following dates:
- Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year: Monday, Nov. 18
- Manager of the Year: Tuesday, Nov. 19
- Cy Young: Wednesday, Nov. 20
- Most Valuable Player: Thursday, Nov. 21
Here’s a look at the finalists, listed alphabetically by category:
National League MVP Finalists:
- Francisco Lindor (SS, Mets): After a slow start, Lindor bounced back to hit .309/.377/.566, hitting 26 home runs and posting a career-high fWAR of 7.8, powering the Mets’ postseason push.
- Ketel Marte (2B, D-backs): Marte, an All-Star and Gold Glove finalist, set career highs in home runs (36), RBIs (95), and OPS+ (155), helping lead the D-backs to a surprise World Series run.
- Shohei Ohtani (DH, Dodgers): Despite not pitching, Ohtani made history with 54 home runs and 59 steals, leading MLB in runs, homers, RBIs, OBP, and slugging.
American League MVP Finalists:
- Aaron Judge (CF, Yankees): Judge followed up his record-breaking 2022 season with another remarkable year, hitting 58 home runs and posting an OPS of 1.159, the highest in 20 years.
- Juan Soto (RF, Yankees): Soto excelled after being traded to the Yankees, leading the AL in runs (128) and hitting a career-high 41 home runs.
- Bobby Witt Jr. (SS, Royals): Witt had a breakout season, batting .332 with 32 homers and 31 steals, leading the Royals to their first postseason appearance in nine years.
National League Cy Young Finalists:
- Chris Sale (LHP, Braves): Sale led the NL with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts, positioning himself for his first Cy Young Award.
- Paul Skenes (RHP, Pirates): The rookie sensation posted an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA, setting a Pirates rookie record for strikeouts (170).
- Zack Wheeler (RHP, Phillies): Wheeler delivered a career-best 2.57 ERA, leading the NL with a 0.96 WHIP and logging his second All-Star selection.
American League Cy Young Finalists:
- Emmanuel Clase (RHP, Guardians): Clase became the first reliever in over a decade to be named a finalist after a dominant season with a 0.61 ERA and 47 saves.
- Seth Lugo (RHP, Royals): Lugo posted a 3.00 ERA over a career-high 206 2/3 innings, playing a key role in the Royals’ postseason push.
- Tarik Skubal (LHP, Tigers): Skubal led the AL in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228), helping the Tigers reach the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.
With the finalists announced, the excitement builds for the upcoming award reveals.
