MLB Midseason Awards: Expert Analysis and Predictions for 2026
The 2026 MLB season is halfway through, and it's time to reflect on the standout performances and award contenders. Here's a deep dive into the players and managers who are making waves, with a focus on the most intriguing awards races.
MVP Contenders
American League:
Yordan Alvarez (Astros): Alvarez is a force to be reckoned with, leading the AL in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and total bases. His incredible bat performance is carrying the Astros' offense, making him a strong MVP candidate. (Personally, I think Alvarez's all-around dominance is undeniable, and his defensive shortcomings are outweighed by his offensive prowess.)
Bobby Witt (Royals): Witt leads the league in WAR, but his team's struggles make it a tough case. Alvarez's impact on the Astros' success is more directly tied to their contention, giving him an edge.
National League:
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): Ohtani's dual-threat abilities are remarkable. He's one of the league's best power hitters and an elite pitcher, leading the NL in OBP and boasting an impressive 8-2 record with a 1.58 ERA. Ohtani's unique skill set and consistent excellence make him a strong MVP contender, despite potential voter fatigue.
Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs): Crow-Armstrong is a rising star, but he might be overshadowed by Ohtani's dual-sport dominance.
Cy Young Award
American League:
Cam Schlittler (Yankees): Schlittler's ERA lead is impressive, and his overall body of work is strong, despite a recent poor outing. He's the best pitcher in the AL, and his lead in innings pitched and strikeouts further cements his case.
Parker Messick (Guardians): Messick is a close second, but Schlittler's slight edge in ERA and overall dominance make him the slight favorite.
National League:
Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers): Misiorowski's 1.45 ERA and 0.77 WHIP with 146 strikeouts in 99 innings are mind-boggling. He's the top contender, with a strong case for the Cy Young.
Cristopher Sánchez: Sánchez is a close second, but Misiorowski's dominance is hard to ignore.
Rookie of the Year
American League:
Kevin McGonigle (Tigers): McGonigle's all-around impact and playing time give him an edge over Murakami, who has been limited by injuries.
Munetaka Murakami (Tigers): Murakami's power and RBI numbers are impressive, but his limited playing time is a factor.
National League:
JJ Wetherholt (Cardinals): Wetherholt's excellent WAR figure, all-around skills, and above-average defense make him a strong contender.
Sal Stewart (Reds): Stewart is a close second, but Wetherholt's slightly higher WAR and overall impact give him the slight edge.
Manager of the Year
American League:
Will Venable (White Sox): Venable has transformed the White Sox, leading them to a strong playoff position despite a less-than-stellar pitching staff.
Kevin Cash (Rays): Cash's Rays are a force to be reckoned with, but Venable's turnaround is more dramatic.
National League:
Don Mattingly (Phillies): Mattingly's turnaround of the Phillies is impressive, but it's not solely due to a change in managers. The team's overall improvement is a result of several factors.
Pat Murphy (Brewers): Murphy's Brewers are a strong contender, but Mattingly's dramatic turnaround gives him the slight edge.
Reliever of the Year
American League:
Louis Varland (Blue Jays): Varland's win probability added and sparkling ERA make him a strong contender.
Cade Smith (Guardians): Smith is a close second, but Varland's overall dominance and leadership give him the edge.
National League:
Mason Miller (Padres): Miller's perfect save record and dominant performance make him the clear favorite.
Jhoan Duran (Phillies): Duran is a close second, but Miller's overall impact and the Padres' bullpen's success give him the slight edge.
Comeback Player of the Year
American League:
Yordan Alvarez (Astros): Alvarez's comeback from a limited 2025 season is well-deserved, given his outstanding 2026 performance.
Mike Trout (Angels): Trout's consistent excellence makes him a strong contender, but Alvarez's dramatic improvement gives him the edge.
National League:
Zack Wheeler (Phillies): Wheeler's outstanding 2026 performance, despite a challenging 2025 season, makes him a strong contender.
Michael Harris II (Braves): Harris' impact is notable, but Wheeler's dominant starts and ERA give him the slight edge.
In summary, the 2026 MLB midseason awards are shaping up to be highly competitive, with several players and managers making strong cases for recognition. As the season progresses, the awards races will continue to evolve, and the final decisions will be fascinating to witness.
