The 2026 MLB regular season is in the books, and the focus now shifts to the individual awards that recognize the year's most outstanding performances. From the MVP and Cy Young races to the Rookie of the Year debates, several players have made compelling cases for recognition.

While some races appear to have clear frontrunners, others remain open to debate. Here are my selections for the major awards in both leagues, based on each player's production and overall impact during the season. These are personal choices, not official predictions or voting results, and other candidates also deserve consideration.

MLB has confirmed that its 2026 Awards ceremony will take place Nov. 11 in Las Vegas. However, the MVP and Cy Young awards are voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) and announced separately. Their exact announcement dates have not yet been officially confirmed.

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My picks for the Cy Young Award in each league

National League: Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers

Jacob Misiorowski put together a phenomenal season, combining an overpowering fastball with historic velocity and elite results. The Milwaukee Brewers right-hander finished 16-5 in 30 starts and led the National League in ERA (1.80), strikeouts (252), ERA+ (232), FIP (2.17) and WHIP (0.802).

He also led the league in hits allowed per nine innings (4.9) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.0). Opposing hitters managed just a .157/.224/.246 slash line against him, good for a .470 OPS.

Misiorowski's dominance makes him a central figure in Milwaukee's postseason plans and gives him a compelling case for the NL Cy Young Award.

Other candidates: Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies, 18-7, 2.91 ERA, 231 strikeouts), Chris Sale (Braves, 14-9, 2.16 ERA, 200 strikeouts), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers, 14-9, 2.53 ERA, 182 strikeouts), Jesús Luzardo (Phillies, 14-5, 2.86 ERA, 221 strikeouts), Chase Burns (Reds, 15-3, 2.86 ERA, 185 strikeouts) and Mason Miller (Padres, 1.67 ERA, 38 saves).

American League: Cam Schlittler, Yankees

Cam Schlittler emerged as the leading candidate for the American League Cy Young Award after an outstanding season with the New York Yankees.

The right-hander led the AL in WAR (7.0), ERA (1.95) and ERA+ (215). He went 14-6 in 33 starts, posting a 2.56 FIP and a 0.919 WHIP. He allowed just 6.0 hits per nine innings while striking out 11.1 batters per nine, finishing with 239 strikeouts.

Like Misiorowski in the National League, Schlittler separated himself from much of the competition with his run prevention. The average ERA among MLB pitchers was 4.17, while opponents hit just .185/.244/.300 against him, producing a .544 OPS.

Other candidates: Gavin Williams (Guardians, 12-9, 2.56 ERA, 193 strikeouts), Dylan Cease (Blue Jays, 11-6, 2.40 ERA, 239 strikeouts), Drew Rasmussen (Rays, 16-5, 2.67 ERA, 174 strikeouts), Sonny Gray (Red Sox, 18-5, 2.72 ERA, 149 strikeouts), Bryan Baker (Rays, 1.44 ERA, 41 saves), Cade Smith (Guardians, 1.95 ERA, 41 saves) and Louis Varland (Blue Jays, 1.27 ERA, 35 saves).

My MVP picks in both leagues

National League: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs

About two months ago, Shohei Ohtani was my choice for National League MVP. However, Pete Crow-Armstrong's extraordinary finish to the season changed the conversation.

The Chicago Cubs center fielder put together a historic campaign, becoming the seventh player in MLB history to record a 40-40 season, finishing with 45 home runs and 41 stolen bases.

Crow-Armstrong also shared the major-league lead in home runs and led the National League in runs scored (119), slugging percentage (.570), OPS (.943), OPS+ (156) and total bases (357). He added 107 RBIs and hit .280.

His offensive production is only part of the story. Crow-Armstrong also provided elite defense in center field and finished with 9.8 WAR, the highest total in MLB, according to the figures cited in the original analysis.

That combination of power, speed, defense and overall value gives him a strong case for MVP, even against a two-way superstar such as Ohtani.

Other candidates: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers, 30 home runs, 81 RBIs and an 8-2 pitching record with a 1.79 ERA), Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers, 16-5, 1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts), Brice Turang (Brewers, 21 home runs, 100 RBIs, 19 stolen bases, 7.3 WAR), Kyle Schwarber (Phillies, 45 home runs, 97 RBIs), CJ Abrams (Nationals, 33 home runs, 106 RBIs, 34 stolen bases), Gabriel Moreno (Diamondbacks, .311 average), Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres, 25 home runs, 38 stolen bases) and Elly De La Cruz (Reds, 30 home runs, 79 RBIs, 30 stolen bases).

American League: Yordan Alvarez, Astros

Yordan Alvarez is my choice for American League MVP after a historic offensive season with the Houston Astros.

Despite spending most of his time as a designated hitter, Alvarez produced one of the most impressive batting lines in the majors, hitting .316/.432/.601 with a 1.033 OPS.

According to the original article's statistical comparison, he became just the sixth player in MLB history to lead all of baseball in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS in the same season. The other five were Aaron Judge, Miguel Cabrera, Barry Bonds, Larry Walker and George Brett.

Alvarez finished with career highs of 42 home runs, 106 RBIs and 105 runs scored. He also led MLB with 109 walks and posted a major-league-best 190 OPS+. Perhaps most remarkable, he drew 33 intentional walks, a testament to how reluctant opposing teams were to challenge him in key situations.

Other candidates: Cam Schlittler (Yankees, 14-6, 1.95 ERA, 239 strikeouts), Junior Caminero (Rays, 42 home runs, 101 RBIs, 100 runs scored), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals, 18 home runs, 45 stolen bases), Pete Alonso (Orioles, 43 home runs, 113 RBIs), Miguel Vargas (White Sox, 33 home runs, 93 RBIs, 22 stolen bases) and Ben Rice (Yankees, 41 home runs and 97 RBIs).

The closest races may be for Rookie of the Year

National League: Sal Stewart, Reds

The National League Rookie of the Year race features several deserving candidates, but Sal Stewart gets my vote after an outstanding season with the Cincinnati Reds.

Stewart led MLB rookies in two key offensive categories, finishing with 32 home runs and 111 RBIs. He also led the group in total bases (285) and ranked among the top rookies in hits (164) and doubles (25).

He finished with a .263/.330/.457 slash line and a .787 OPS, while adding 15 stolen bases. His combination of power, run production and baserunning makes him a compelling choice.

Other candidates: Carson Benge (Mets, 20 home runs, 22 stolen bases), TJ Rumfield (Rockies, .300 average, .390 OBP, 73 RBIs), Nolan McLean (Mets, 12-10, 3.16 ERA, 194 strikeouts), Foster Griffin (Nationals, 12-3, 3.16 ERA) and Logan Henderson (Brewers, 11-3, 2.47 ERA).

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American League: Kevin McGonigle, Tigers

The American League Rookie of the Year race is similarly competitive, particularly with a pitcher such as Parker Messick also in the conversation. Nevertheless, my choice is Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle.

McGonigle recorded 7.1 WAR, the ninth-highest single-season total by a rookie in MLB history, according to the original article.

He hit .278/.376/.430 with an .806 OPS and led all major-league rookies in runs scored (97), hits (168), triples (five), walks (95), on-base percentage and total bases (260).

He also ranked among the leading rookies in doubles (28), home runs (18), RBIs (72), slugging percentage, OPS and OPS+ (126).

His all-around offensive production and overall value give him a strong case for the award, even with several other productive rookies in the American League.

Other candidates: Parker Messick (Guardians, 12-9, 2.56 ERA, 193 strikeouts), Colson Montgomery (White Sox, 35 home runs, 77 RBIs), Kazuma Okamoto (Blue Jays, 33 home runs, 92 RBIs), Carter Jensen (Royals, 27 home runs, 81 RBIs), Chase DeLauter (Guardians, 16 home runs, 67 RBIs, .376 OBP), Samuel Basallo (Orioles, 18 home runs, 54 RBIs) and Sam Antonacci (White Sox, 81 runs scored, 25 doubles, 20 stolen bases).

Crow-Armstrong's late surge changed the NL MVP conversation

It would have taken an extraordinary season for someone to challenge Ohtani for National League MVP, given his unique value as a two-way player. Crow-Armstrong delivered exactly that.

Several factors shaped the race, including the Cubs outfielder's exceptional finish and Ohtani's reduced availability on the mound.

Sports broadcaster Danny Parkins made the case for Crow-Armstrong, highlighting the areas in which the Cubs star had an advantage:

“Crow-Armstrong has the edge in defense, baserunning and overall value, while Ohtani stopped pitching.”

That assessment captures the central argument behind Crow-Armstrong's candidacy. His production surged down the stretch, while Ohtani was unable to return to the mound and also missed time in the lineup.

Ohtani's two-way ability remains extraordinary, but Crow-Armstrong's combination of offense, elite defense, baserunning and overall value makes him a deserving choice for the 2026 NL MVP award.

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