Way Too Early AL 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 AL:

MVP: Aaron Judge 

Now that Ohtani is in the NL, Aaron Judge has the opportunity to reclaim the AL MVP award. 

The 2022 MVP was on track to being a legit contender for the award. Judge slashed .291/.404/.674 before missing almost 2 months of the season due to a torn ligament in his big toe. 

Judge was unable to sustain this pace once he got back. It was clear that he wasn’t fully recovered and his performance reflected it. Judge finished the season with a .267 AVG and 37 HRs. 

The shortened season and slump upon his return ended any MVP chances Judge had last season. However, if he is able to stay healthy and perform at the level he is capable of, there is no reason Judge shouldn’t win the MVP again.

Via AP Photo/ Julio Cortez

Cy Young: Gerrit Cole 

Cole has the ability to be the 12th pitcher in baseball history to win consecutive Cy Young. The Yankees ace won his first Cy Young last season after finishing top 10 in Cy Young voting every year since 2018. 

Cole’s 2023 campaign is the reason the Yankees are paying him $36 million a year. The 32-year-old righty just had the best year of his career, pitching to a 2.63 ERA through 209 innings.

Cole’s consistent level of dominance has no indications of slowing down. Don’t be surprised if he wins the award again this year. 

Via Brad Penner

Rookie of the Year: Jackson Holliday 

Jackson, the son of former MLB all-star Matt Holliday, has been the number one ranked prospect in baseball since he was drafted first overall in 2021. Jackson propelled through the minor leagues, working his way up AAA in his second year of professional baseball.

The transition from high school to pro ball seemed fairly simple for the 19 year old. He had a slashline of .323/.442/.499 throughout 4 levels in the minors. 

Holliday will debut at some point this season. If he plays enough to qualify, the Os will have back to back Rookie of the Years.

Via Greg Fiume