2016 MLB Picks and Predictions: National League Award Favorites and Sleepers: The 2016 MLB season has just begun, and with months of baseball ahead of us, it is time to take a look at which players could end up claiming the top honors in the game when all is said in done. Up first are my award predictions for the National League.
2016 MLB Picks & Predictions: National League Award Favorites and Sleepers
National League Most Valuable Player: Bryce Harper, OF, Washington Nationals
Harper took home MVP honors last year at the ripe old age of 22, so there is no reason to belief he has approached his ceiling yet. He led the NL in runs, home runs, OPS, slugging percentage and WAR while finishing second in batting average and walks, and the Nationals’ lineup appears to be even better in 2016. Look for Harper to make another run at a triple crown while finishing as one of the most valuable and productive players by every statistical measure.
Sleeper: Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs
The Cubs project to be one of the best teams in baseball, and Rizzo is the most proven slugger for a lineup loaded with upside. Last year, he finished sixth in the NL in homers, third in RBI and sixth in WAR, and he should only get better as he and his teammates gain experience.
National League Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw has claimed the Cy Young in three of the last five seasons, picking up an MVP during the same stretch. Last year was a bit of a down year by his standards, and he still led the NL in innings pitched and strikeouts while ranking in the top three in ERA, WHIP and batting average against. In other words, Kershaw is the safest bet to win another Cy Young in 2016, and there isn’t any player that can be considered a close second.
Sleeper: Johnny Cueto, SP, San Francisco Giants
Splitting last season between Cincinnati and Kansas City made him somewhat of a forgotten man in both leagues, but Cueto could do some damage now that he is back in the NL. After all, he had the second-best ERA and best batting average against in 2014 while pitching in one of the most hitter-friendly parks. In fact, Cueto had an ERA below 3.00 in his final five seasons with the Reds. Moving to a pitcher-friendly park should result in an immediate return to form.
National League Rookie of the Year: Trevor Story, SS, Colorado Rockies
Jose Reyes’ status remains in doubt, and Story has more than capitalized on the opportunity. He has hit at least one home run in each of his first three games, tallying four homers and seven RBI overall. For whatever reason, voters have been willing to overlook a team’s record when handing out Rookie of the Year honors, so Story should continue to showcase his power for the rebuilding Rockies with a hitter-friendly home park for the rest of the year without being penalized.
Sleeper: Kenta Maeda, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Maeda looked sharp in his first start for the Dodgers, and the 28-year-old has the advantage of having played professionally in Japan before coming to the majors. Despite his age and experience, Maeda still qualifies as a rookie.
Home Run Champion: Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Miami Marlins
Incredibly, Stanton finished tied for 10th in the NL in home runs last year despite logging less than 300 at-bats. If he stays healthy for an entire season, 50-plus bombs is a real possibility. No player can match his raw power, and it will likely be a one-man race for the home run crown if Stanton dodges the injury bug.
Sleeper: Yoenis Cespedes, OF, New York Mets
After joining the Mets last season, Cespedes slugged 17 home runs, putting him on a pace to hit 45 had he played the entire year in New York. Two players tied for the NL lead last year with 42 home runs, so Cespedes is more than capable of competing for the home run crown in his first full season for the Mets.
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