MLB awards: Way-too-early 2019 award predictions

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: National League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer speaks during the 2018 Baseball Writers' Association of America awards dinner on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at the Sheraton Times Square hotel in New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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AL Rookie of the Year: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

All Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did in 2018 was slash .381/.437/.636 across four levels of the minors. Widely regarded as the top prospect in baseball, Guerrero had an unbelievable 2018 season. However, he has yet to make his major league debut.

With Josh Donaldson now out of Toronto, third base is open for Guerrero. Brandon Drury is the Blue Jays’ next best third baseman, and he will likely start at the hot corner on Opening Day, but Guerrero should finally make his debut shortly thereafter. Three weeks into the regular season, once the deadline for the Blue Jays to be able to retain Guerrero for an extra year has passed, he should make his highly-anticipated debut.

Guerrero obviously cannot be expected to repeat his incredible 2018 campaign in the big leagues, but he should still be a productive bat. After all, even if his batting average drops 100 points, he would still hit .280.

The Blue Jays should not be expected to contend in 2019, considering they play in what is arguably baseball’s best division, but Guerrero is capable of helping them return to contention as quickly as possible.

Assuming Guerrero finally gets the call early in 2019, he is the frontrunner to be named American League Rookie of the Year.

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