2014 MLB Picks and Predictions: American League Award Favorites

2014 MLB Picks and Predictions: American League Award Favorites: The 2014 MLB regular season is in its final week, and before the playoffs begin, it’s time to predict which players will walk away with the top individual awards. Looking at the American League, clear frontrunners have emerged for a majority of the awards with the lone exception being the Manager of the Year Award. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the players I expect to walk away with the top individual awards in the American League for the 2014 MLB season.

American League MVP: Mike Trout, Outfielder, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Victor Martinez has had a pretty impressive year, but in the end, Trout will win the AL MVP rather easily. He currently leads the AL in RBIs and runs scored, and he ranks third in home runs. Trout has also chipped in 16 steals and excellent defense in the outfield while helping the Angels to the best record in the majors. Miguel Cabrera edged Trout in each of the past two seasons, but no one should best Trout in 2014.

American League Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Starter, Seattle Mariners

Despite having his worst start of the year in the final weeks of the season, Hernandez has still been the best pitcher in the AL this season. His 2.34 ERA and .203 opponent batting average are both second best in the league, and Hernandez leads all pitchers with a 0.94 WHIP. He has also thrown the second-most innings in the AL and ranks fourth in strikeouts. His across-the-board dominance in every statistical pitching category will earn him his second Cy Young in 2014.

American League Rookie of the Year: Jose Abreu, First Baseman, Chicago White Sox

The former Cuban pro more than lived up to the hype as a power hitter, becoming just the fourth first-year player to hit at least 30 doubles and 30 home runs while driving in at least 100 RBIs. He currently ranks third in the AL with 35 homers and fifth with 105 RBIs, and his .315 average and .956 OPS rank sixth and second, respectively. Any way you slice it, Abreu has been the total package at the plate.

Comeback Player of the Year: Albert Pujols, First Baseman, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Injuries plagued Pujols throughout last season, resulting in the worst season of his career. After hitting .258 with 17 homers and 64 RBIs in 99 games, Pujols has bounced back to play in 156 games, hitting .273 with 28 home runs and 105 RBIs. Yes, Pujols’ best years are behind him, but he is still a strong bat in the middle of the Angels’ lineup, and he has rebounded from an injury-plagued year to post a strong stat line in 2014.

Manager of the Year: Buck Showalter, Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore’s rotation doesn’t have an ace and a former starter is closing games, but that hasn’t stopped the Orioles from winning 95 games thus far and clinching the AL East title. Showalter has been a magician since arriving in Baltimore, transforming the Orioles into a perennial cellar dweller to a perennial contender. This season may be his best work yet, and despite a rotation that doesn’t jump off the page, a struggling Chris Davis and an injury to Manny Machado, the Orioles just keep hitting home runs and winning games.

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