AL Rookie of the Year
Taylor Cochran’s prediction: Andrew Benintendi – OF – Boston Red Sox
Entering the league last year, there was a lot of hype surrounding the 22-year old Benintendi. Now, with David Ortiz’s departure, the Red Sox are willing to give their young outfielder a spot atop the order. The former Arkansas Razorback plays strong defense and is one of the more patient hitters in baseball. He’s an extremely polished player with 20-20 potential and could easily rack up 100 runs as well. In Boston’s loaded lineup, this kid is going to run away with the ROY award.
Runner-up: Yoan Moncada – 2B – Chicago White Sox
Jason Fray’s prediction: Yoan Moncada – 2B – Chicago White Sox
Moncada is the best prospect in baseball. The Cuban has every hitting tool imaginable – whether it be power to all fields, contact efficiency, or immense hand-eye coordination. He’ll be a galvanizing force for the White Sox sooner than later. While he may start the year in the minor leagues, expect him to be a fixture within the lineup by the end of May.
Runner-up: Andrew Benintendi – OF – Boston Red Sox
Blake Hoffman’s prediction: Andrew Benintendi – OF – Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox lineup is absolutely loaded, meaning teams will have no choice but to pitch to Benintendi. The smooth-swinging lefty looked solid in 105 plate appearances last season, and should be even better with the butterflies now gone.
Runner-up: Lucas Giolito – SP – Chicago White Sox
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NL Rookie of the Year
Taylor Cochran’s prediction: Dansby Swanson – SS – Atlanta Braves
It’s somewhat hard to believe that Swanson is even eligible for this award – he had 129 at-bats last season and the cut off is 130. But during his time with the Braves, Swanson’s talent was apparent. To go along with his exceptional defense at short, the former first-overall pick hit .302 with 20 runs, 17 RBIs, 3 home runs and 3 stolen bases. Now, at age 23, the former Vanderbilt star is ready to have a full season atop the Braves’ batting order. Swanson will put up a great on-base percentage as well as above average power and speed. This blue-chip prospect is a building block for the Braves future and should take home the first Braves ROY award since Craig Kimbrel in 2011.
Runner-up: Tyler Glasnow – SP – Pittsburgh Pirates
Jason Fray’s prediction: Hunter Renfroe – OF – San Diego Padres
Renfroe will start for the Padres at a corner outfield position. A former first-round pick, the Mississippi native batted .371 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in limited time last season. With absolutely no pressure on the young player to carry the ballclub, expect him to provide the Pads with some much-needed power.
Runner-up: Dansby Swanson – SS – Atlanta Braves
Blake Hoffman’s prediction: Robert Gsellman – SP – New York Mets
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, Robert Gsellman is the next power arm from the Mets’ farm system set to befuddle hitters. With a 2.42 ERA in seven starts last season – largely due to an excellent sinker capable of overwhelming any opponent – Gsellman is due for a huge 2017.
Runner-up: Dansby Swanson – SS – Atlanta Braves
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AL Manager of the Year
Taylor Cochran’s prediction: Scott Servais – Seattle Mariners
During his first year with the Mariners, Servais pulled off an 86-76 record. While Seattle hasn’t been to the postseason since 2001 (the last time the team won this award), they have a great shot at changing that this year. GM Jerry Dipoto has already made 13 trades this offseason, and he has brought in some solid talent for the Mariners. With the additions of Jean Seguara, Mitch Haniger, Drew Smyly and Yovani Gallardo, Seattle is ready to contend in the stacked AL West.
Runner-up: John Farrell – Boston Red Sox
Jason Fray’s prediction: A.J. Hinch – Houston Astros
Everything sets up for the Astros to win the AL West Division. The pitching is deep, the young lineup is bursting with high-upside players, and the team chemistry is very good. A.J. Hinch – the former MLB catcher – is excellent when it comes to the strategic side of the game. The Astros will have a big 2017, and Hinch will be a main reason for their success.
Runner-up: John Farrell – Boston Red Sox
Blake Hoffman’s prediction: A.J. Hinch – Houston Astros
The Houston Astros went all-in this offseason by acquiring Carlos Beltrán, Brian McCann and Josh Reddick to complement a blossoming core, and no one should benefit more than manager A.J. Hinch. Playing in the unintimidating AL West, Hinch should take home this award en route to Houston’s first 95-win season since 1999.
Runner-up: Terry Francona – Cleveland Indians
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NL Manager of the Year
Taylor Cochran’s prediction: Bud Black – Colorado Rockies
After managing the San Diego Padres for nine seasons, Bud Black decided to stay in the NL West and take over the Colorado Rockies. He’s familiar to this award, taking it home in 2010 – but it won’t be an easy task for a team that has one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball. However, Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, Trevor Story, D.J. LaMahieu and David Dahl makes this team one of the most feared lineups in the MLB. The Rockies new manager should be able to turn this team around and make them a contender in the NL.
Runner-up: Dusty Baker – Washington Nationals
Jason Fray’s prediction: Dave Roberts – Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers won a division title last season with a makeshift and often-injured squad. Dave Roberts worked miracles with this roster – piecing together the collective health of the team with duct tape. He was masterful in regards to the utilization of both his bench and pitching staff. In 2017, LA appears to be a deeper squad. Assuming the injury issues don’t rear their ugly head again, the Dodgers will be even better than last season.
Runner-up: Joe Madden – Chicago Cubs
Blake Hoffman’s prediction: Mike Matheny – St. Louis Cardinals
In the most surprising result of the regular season, the Cardinals win the NL Central over the Chicago Cubs. As a result, Matheny gets the nod in the NL for Manager of the Year.
Runner-up: Bruce Bochy – San Francisco Giants
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AL Cy Young
Taylor Cochran’s prediction: Corey Kluber – SP – Cleveland Indians
Kluber is an absolute workhorse for the Cleveland Indians. Last season, he accrued 215.0 innings, racking up 227 strikeouts with a solid 3.14 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. Over the last three seasons, no one has been more consistent that Kluber. During that time, he’s averaged 9.9 K’s per nine innings and has taken home 45 wins, 10 complete games and an incredible 18.1 WAR. Now, with the addition of Edwin Encarnacion and a full year of relief from Andrew Miller, Kluber has the firepower to top 20 wins and take home the accolade of best pitcher in the AL. Look for a fantastic season from the 30-year old, along with another deep postseason run from the Indians.
Runner-up: Marcus Stroman – SP – Toronto Blue Jays
Jason Fray’s prediction: Chris Sale – SP – Boston Red Sox
The left-hander came over to Boston from Chicago in the big offseason trade. For the first time in his career, he will be pitching behind an explosive and consistent offense. Often times, he was victimized on the South Side with a lack of run support. That simply won’t be the case in Fenway. Expect him to rack up the victories at a high clip. Think about Rick Porcello’s season in 2016…and then envision it with Sale’s dominant stuff.
Runner-up: Corey Kluber – SP – Cleveland Indians
Blake Hoffman’s prediction: Chris Sale – SP – Boston Red Sox
Usually, when teams trade the farm for one elite player, it doesn’t work out. This isn’t one of those instances. Backed by the best offense in baseball, Sale wins 25 games and captures the first Cy Young award of his career.
Runner-up: Chris Archer – SP – Tampa Bay Rays
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NL Cy Young
Taylor Cochran’s prediction: Clayton Kershaw – SP – Los Angeles Dodgers
It’s a shame that Kershaw only started 21 games last season due to a back injury. Yet in those games, he was able to finish the season with 172 strikeouts and a whopping 1.69 ERA. He’s the best lefty in the game and arguably the best pitcher in baseball, but what’s scary is that Kershaw may still be in his prime. The 29-year old will certainly top his 12-4 record from last season and will once again make the Los Angeles Dodgers the frontrunners in the NL West.
Runner-up: Noah Syndergaard – SP – New York Mets
Jason Fray’s prediction: Clayton Kershaw – SP – Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw was on his way to yet another Cy Young Award in 2016 – before suffering a nagging back injury. Simply put, he’s the best pitcher in the game. Kershaw’s ability to manipulate the baseball is second to none. Assuming he stays healthy, pencil in Kershaw for his fourth Cy Young Award.
Runner-up: Carlos Martinez – SP – St. Louis Cardinals
Blake Hoffman’s prediction: Clayton Kershaw – SP – Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite experiencing less success in the postseason, the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw is still the best starting pitcher in baseball. Concerns about his back are completely warranted, but with an ERA that hasn’t exceeded 2.13 since 2012 and the best pitching arsenal of anyone in baseball, you can’t pick against Kershaw.
Runner-up: Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals
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AL MVP
Taylor Cochran’s prediction: Mookie Betts – OF – Boston Red Sox
It’s hard to go against Mike Trout on this one, but this is the year that Mookie Betts takes home MVP. If it wasn’t for David Ortiz’s stat-stuffing swan song, Betts may already have this award — the 24-year old Betts finished the season with an incredible .318 batting average, 31 homers, 26 stolen bases, 122 runs and 113 RBIs in 2016. He’s already solidified himself as one of the best in the game, and his five-tool skills could make him an MVP winner for years to come. But now, he faces the task of being the most feared hitter in the potent Red Sox lineup. He’s been rumored to hit in the 3 or 4 spot, so he’ll be surrounded by the likes of Dustin Pedroia, Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts and Hanley Ramirez. With exceptional defensive skills and immense offensive talent, Betts is your 2017 AL MVP.
Runner-up: Mike Trout – OF – Los Angeles Angels
Jason Fray’s prediction: Jose Altuve – 2B – Houston Astros
Manny Machado, Mike Trout, and teammate Carlos Correa are considered big favorites for the award. However, it will be the diminutive second baseman taking home the honor. Last season, Altuve batted .338 with 24 HRs, 96 RBIs, a mind-boggling .396 OBP, and 30 stolen bases. With the Astros expected to take a big step up in 2017, Altuve will continue to rack up the numbers.
Runner-up: Mookie Betts – OF – Boston Red Sox
Blake Hoffman’s prediction: Carlos Correa – SS – Houston Astros
I’m all aboard the Houston Astros bandwagon. Carlos Correa breaks out and emerges as the best player in baseball. Backed by a 30-homer, 100-RBI, 20-stolen base campaign, Correa takes home the award.
Runner-up: Manny Machado – 3B – Baltimore Orioles
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NL MVP
Taylor Cochran’s prediction: Nolan Arenado – 3B – Colorado Rockies
Since coming into the league in 2013, Nolan Arenado has been a powerhouse. Over the last two years, he’s averaged 158.5 games with a .290 batting average while adding 83 home runs and 263 RBIs. While most people attribute this success to Coors Field, Arenado bats just as well away from home. Aside from his Silver Slugger awards, Arenado has received a Gold Glove award the past four seasons. If his batting average improves ever-so-slightly, we could see the MLB’s first Triple Crown winner since Miguel Cabrera in 2012.
Runner-up: Bryce Harper – OF – Washington Nationals
Jason Fray’s prediction: Bryce Harper – OF – Washington Nationals
Harper battled a myriad of physical issues in 2016. At only 24, one can expect the slugger to revert back to his 2015 form – in which he won the MVP Award unanimously. Washington appears to be loaded in 2017. Harper will have plenty of opportunities to prove why many believe him to be the best talent in the game today.
Runner-up: Corey Seager – SS – Los Angeles Dodgers
Blake Hoffman’s prediction: Kris Bryant – 3B – Chicago Cubs
Even though I don’t think the Cubs will win their division, Bryant’s stats will be too good to ignore. After hitting 39 homers while batting .292 last season, it’s scary to think that Bryant will likely improve upon those numbers. With 45 homers, a .300 batting average and plus-defense for the defending champs, Bryant becomes the first back-to-back NL MVP since Albert Pujols from 2008-2009.
Runner-up: Bryce Harper – OF – Washington Nationals
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