2015 Major League Baseball Award Predictions
Last season, we watched as Clayton Kershaw snagged not only the National League Cy Young, but also took home the Most Valuable Player award as well. This season, there will almost assuredly be a few players that elevate their performance and emerge as favorites for awards at the end of the season. Major League Baseball award season gives us a chance to look back an remember their feats.
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The debate typically circles around whether or not a dominating pitcher should be considered for the Major League Baseball MVP award as well, due to having their own specific award. With the likelihood of Kershaw competing at the same level two years in a row seeming remote, we can probably distance ourselves from that discussion.
Looking ahead to who will be accepting hardware when the dust settles in 2015, there’s plenty of players that would seem likely candidates. Here’s who I see being left for each of the big three Major League Baseball awards when all is said and done.
Sep 25, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits a single against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
American League MVP
From Rookie of the Year to Most Valuable Player in successive seasons, Abreu starts his major league career off on the right foot. It’s tough to win and MVP award on a bad team, and that’s definitely something that held him back a year ago. The White Sox should find themselves in the playoffs at the end of 2015, and it will be because of Abreu’s bat that their offense is good enough to get there.
Sep 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
National League MVP
Much like Abreu, Stanton is held back when it comes to awards due to the positioning of his team in recent years. The Marlins should be a playoff contender in 2015, and Stanton will be to thank for much of it. Expect another home run filled campaign, and a better team should make his numbers carry that much more weight.
Sep 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) warms up before the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
American League Cy Young
Last season, the White Sox knew they were going to virtually be guaranteed a win once every five days. This season, Sale should continue to dominate, and he’ll have even more help. If he doesn’t miss time in 2014, he probably gets the nod over Corey Kluber. A Cy Young performance for the White Sox ace should be expected in 2015.
Oct 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the fifth inning during game seven of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
National League Cy Young
During the World Series, the collective baseball world saw a promising pitcher coming into his own. This season the Giants probably take a step backwards, but just how good Mad Bum is will be highlighted each time he steps on the mound. He stands to lower his 2.98 ERA from 2014 and should once again breach the 200 strikeout plateau.
Sep 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura (23) in the dugout against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
AL Manager of the Year
For the White Sox to realize their potential this season, it will come on the managing heels of this man. Chicago went out and got much-needed pieces this offseason, and now the expectations are raised. Ventura dealt with a team that suffered injuries and had plenty of holes during the 2014 season, he now has a winner on his hands and gets the best out of them.
Aug 25, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond (11) during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
NL Manager of the Year
The Miami Marlins were probably in contention longer than many had them pegged for during the 2014 season, but 2015 should be another step forward. Look for Redmond to push his squad to challenge the Washington Nationals, and to be a playoff team nobody wants to play. The Marlins are looking to take the next step, and it will be on the voice of their young skipper the gets them there.
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