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Bold predictions: Picking MLB’s major award winners in 2023

By West Jones

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 19: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels gestures after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 19: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels gestures after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Juan Soto trade
Aug 4, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Juan Soto (22) prepares for an at-bat in the dugout during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

National League Most Valuable Player: Juan Soto, San Diego Padres

President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller has taken several chances over the last few seasons to build the San Diego Padres into a contender. None of these moves have been bigger than trading the farm for Juan Soto. Soto started out his career at 19 by finishing second to Ronald Acuña Jr. in the battle for 2018 NL Rookie of the Year. Then, the very next year, Soto was thrust onto the national stage during the Washington Nationals’ magical championship season.

For Soto’s standards, he struggled last year, and yet he was still an All-Star and won the Silver Slugger Award. His down season amounted to slashing .242/.401/.452, hitting 27 home runs, having a wRC+ of 145, and putting up 3.8 fWAR. Most hitters would call this a career year, and yet for the young Soto, it was a down season.

Baseball is so incredibly mental, even for the best players. With the possible trade looming, and then ultimately coming to pass last season, there is no doubt that the added pressure of the unknown was weighing on Soto. With that stressor eliminated, he is primed for a great season in his new brown and yellow Padres’ uniform in 2023.

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