Predicting the 2022 MLB award winners
American League Cy Young winner – Justin Verlander
The Houston Astros had no idea what to expect from Justin Verlander this year. After all, he missed most of the past two seasons due to the pandemic and Tommy John surgery, making him a major question mark.
It turns out that he had one of the best seasons of his career. The 39 year old posted a league leading 1.75 ERA and a 0.829 WHiP, striking out 185 batters with just 29 walks. Not only did he lead the league in ERA and WHiP, but he also allowed the fewest hits per nine innings (6.0) and led the AL in wins (18).
In the end, this should result in Verlander earning his third Cy Young award. He would move into a tie for fifth all time and further cement his Hall of Fame legacy.
*apologies to Dylan Cease, Shohei Ohtani
National League Cy Young winner – Sandy Alcantara
This one should not even be close.
Alcantara had already earned some notice as a solid arm, being named an All Star in 2019. However, it was not until this past season when he began to get the attention he deserved. Alcantara had a breakout campaign, posting a 2.28 ERA and a 0.980 WHiP in his major league leading 228.2 innings, striking out 207 batters with 50 walks. Not only did he fire six complete games, but he alone had more complete games than any other team combined this season.
At this point, he is a throwback, one of the few true top of the rotation arms capable of firing nine innings left in the game. As he is locked up through 2027, he will be a key part of the Marlins’ rebuilding efforts. At 27 years old, this showing could just be the beginning.
*apologies to Max Fried, Aaron Nola
American League Rookie of the Year – Julio Rodriguez
Rodriguez is not just going to win the AL Rookie of the Year award – he should receive plenty of votes in the MVP ballot as well.
He has already had a historic season. Rodriguez is one of 13 players in MLB history to hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases as a rookie while his overall production placed him amongst some of the greatest players the game had ever seen. He produced a 147 OPS+ with 28 homers and 25 doubles in his 560 plate appearances, stealing 28 bases.
And he is only getting started. The Mariners already locked Rodriguez up to what could be a 20 year deal worth upwards of $450 million. It is possible that he could be their next superstar, his Rookie of the Year award the first accolade in a storied career.
*apologies to Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr.
National League Rookie of the Year – Michael Harris II
The Braves not only churn out amazing prospects seemingly every year, but they also lock their players up. Harris is just the latest on both.
Despite not making his MLB debut until May 28, Harris made up for lost time quickly. He posted a .297/.339/.514 batting line in his 441 plate appearances, hitting 19 homers and 27 doubles while stealing 20 bases. Harris saved eight runs in the outfield and became a key piece in stabilizing the lineup.
It is not a surprise that the Braves already locked him up to a long term deal. He received an eight year, $72 million extension with two team options. That deal is going to be an even bigger bargain as time goes on, especially as this Rookie of the Year award is just the start to what should be an illustrious career.
*apologies to Spencer Strider
American League Manager of the Year – Brandon Hyde
The Baltimore Orioles were not supposed to be close to .500, let alone contending for a playoff berth in the final few days of the 2022 season.
And yet, that was the case. Manager Brandon Hyde was able to guide a collection of youngsters and castoffs to an 83-79 record, despite the trades of their closer and the heart and soul of the team. The Orioles had a -14 run differential and played in the most difficult division in MLB, yet were still over .500 for the first time since 2016.
That performance also had a ripple effect. The Orioles have declared their rebuilding process as over and are looking to contend next year. Hyde, and the young players, are a major reason why.
*apologies to Dusty Baker, Terry Francona
National League Manager of the Year – Brian Snitker
Sometimes, the calm, steady approach just works. That is the case with Braves manager Brian Snitker.
Once again, the Braves had a slow start to the season. Their outfield struggled due to injuries and underperformance. And once again, Snitker remained calm, trusting his players and playing the rookies immediately when they were brought to the majors.
It worked again. The Braves went on an impressive tear once the calendar flipped to June, erasing a 10.5 game deficit to win the NL East over a 101 win Mets team. While there has yet to be a repeat World Series champion in the 21st century, the Braves appear poised to change that. Snitker is a major reason why.
*apologies to Dave Roberts, Buck Showalter.
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