Way Too Early NL Award Predictions

By Robby Posio

With the surplus of talent circulating around the MLB, it’s never too early to talk about the award winners for the upcoming season. Here are my way too early predictions for the NL:

MVP: Mookie Betts 

Betts came very close to winning his second MVP last season. The Dodgers outfielder had a slashline of .307/.408/.579 while leading the NL with an 8.3 WAR. If it wasn’t for Acuna’s historic 30/70 season, Betts probably wins the MVP unanimously. 

The only concern I have is Betts is moving from right field to play second base. The six-time gold glove winner has 153 defensive runs saved (DRS), the second most since 2014.

Betts played 70 games at second base last season and it hurt his statistal defenisve value. He had a 6 DRS last season, the second lowest of his career. However, this drop off was expected because second basemen's DRS are typically lower than right fielders.

Even with the antcipated drop off, Fan Graphs still projects Betts to finish with the second highest WAR in the NL. If Betts is able to replicate what he did last season, it will take another record breaking season to keep the award out of his hands. 

Via SportsCity.com

Cy Young: Zac Gallen

Gallen finished 3rd in Cy Young Voting last season behind Logan Webb and the ultimate winner Blake Snell. The Diamondbacks ace pitched to a 125 ERA+ through 210 innings during their World Series Run.

Despite his shortcomings, Gallen was the frontrunner for NL Cy Young in the first half of the season. On June 27th, following his 17th start of the season, Gallen had a 3.02 ERA which placed him within the top 5 of all qualified pitchers. However, he cooled off after the all-star break and finished with a 3.47 ERA.

If Gallen is able to sustain this success throughout the entire year, he could very easily be the first Cy Young in Arizona since 2006. 

Via Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rookie of the Year: Paul Skeens 

The outcome of the Rookie of the Year award is entirely in the Pittsburgh Pirates’s hands. If they call up Skeens before the middle of June, he will win the award. 

The 1st overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft was the most dominant pitcher in college baseball last season. The 6’6 righty pitched to a 1.89 ERA and led LSU to a National Championship. 

Skeens only threw 6 innings in the minor league last season so he hasn’t had a true introduction to professional baseball. However, this may not be necessary as many people believed that he would bypass minor league ball altogether. 

Although Skeens is talented enough to make the opening day roster, the Pirates may decide to leave him in the minor leagues until they believe he is fully ready. If he pitches enough innings, don’t be surprised if he runs away with the Rookie of the Year Award.

Via Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images