2021 MLB American and National League MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Competitions

Introduction

As we approach the final two months of the 2021 Major League Baseball regular season, it's the perfect moment to delve into and evaluate the competition for the prestigious MLB awards, which include the Most Valuable Player for both the American and National Leagues, as well as the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards for each league. The end of the regular season is set for Sunday, October 3, 2021, after which the Wild Card Playoff Series will kick off.

This time of year is exciting for fans of major sports in North America, as baseball (MLB) is nearing its end and football (NFL), hockey (NHL), and basketball (NBA) are gearing up for the start of their seasons. Below, you'll find a list of the key finalists for the major awards in MLB for this season.

2021 MLB American League MVP Award Race

• Shohei Ohtani – The multifaceted player for the Los Angeles Angels, who excels as a designated hitter, pitcher, and outfielder, is showcasing incredible talent. He swings left-handed, delivering both consistency and power at bat while also being a dominant right-handed pitcher. Currently, he boasts a batting average of .269, a slugging percentage of .648, an on-base percentage of .363, an OPS of 1.011, and an OPS+ of 165 with 40 home runs, a WAR of 7.9, an ERA of 2.79, and 186 strikeouts. He is a strong frontrunner for this year's American League MVP award.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – As the first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, Vlad Jr. is certainly a formidable presence at the plate. While he's experienced a slight dip in performance during August, his stats still reflect MVP-worthy numbers. At present, he holds a batting average of .313, has hit 35 home runs, boasts a WAR of 4.8, and has recorded 88 RBIs, along with an on-base percentage of .409, a slugging percentage of .605, an OPS of 1.013, and an OPS+ of 173. To surpass Ohtani for the AL MVP title, he would need an extraordinary achievement like winning the elusive Triple Crown.
• Rafael Devers – The third baseman for the Boston Red Sox is quietly enjoying a stellar season in the competitive American League East. Despite his young age of just 24 and relatively short MLB career starting in 2017, Devers is making his mark. He is currently batting .280, with 29 home runs and 89 RBIs. His slugging percentage is .559, on-base percentage is .356, and he has an OPS of .914 and an OPS+ of 141.
• Matt Olson – Olson has been impressive this season with the Oakland Athletics. His consistent performance both offensively and defensively at first base has made him a valuable player. His impressive stats thus far reflect his strong contribution to his team. Oakland A’s Cedric Mullins – The Baltimore Orioles outfielder is having a remarkable 2021 MLB season despite being on a struggling team that sits at the bottom of the AL East. With a batting average of .315, 21 home runs, and 22 stolen bases, he's showcasing considerable skill.
• Others Receiving Votes: Marcus Semien, Tim Anderson, Xander Bogaerts, Bo Bichette, Carlos Correa, and Michael Brantley.
• Fernando Tatis Jr. – Presently, Tatis Jr., the shortstop for the San Diego Padres, is leading the race for the National League MVP award. Provided he maintains his health and avoids a significant slump at the plate, he is well positioned to claim the NL MVP title for 2021. His current stats include a .295 batting average, leading the league with 34 home runs, alongside 75 RBIs, an on-base percentage of .374, a slugging percentage of .669, an OPS of 1.042, and an OPS+ of 184.

2021 MLB National League MVP Award Race

• Bryce Harper – If the Philadelphia Phillies manage to go on a substantial winning streak and seize control of the fiercely contested NL East, much of the credit would likely go to Harper. For the veteran right fielder to have a shot at the National League MVP award, he could benefit if Tatis Jr. were to miss substantial time or see his performance decline in the remaining months of the season. Harper's current stats include a batting average of .294, 22 home runs, 50 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, an on-base percentage of .411, a slugging percentage of .567, an OPS of .978, and an OPS+ of 166.
• Max Muncy – Muncy, who plays first base and occasionally second base for the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, has been key in carrying the team given the significant injuries faced by other star players like Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, and Corey Seager. He wields a powerful bat designed for left-handed hitters and currently maintains a .276 batting average with 28 home runs and 75 RBIs, achieving a commendable WAR of 5.9. Bryce Harper Jesse Winker – Winker plays in the outfield for the Cincinnati Reds and was selected as an MLB All-Star this year. He had an impressive start to the 2021 season, leading the National League in doubles and total bases while achieving personal bests in various offensive stats. Winker is on the path to becoming a noteworthy player in Major League Baseball, although it's uncertain if he has done enough this season, especially given that his team may miss out on playoff contention.
• Zack Wheeler – Wheeler is the sole pitcher from both leagues featured on this list, underscoring his strong campaign for the MVP during the 2021 MLB season. The right-hander for the Philadelphia Phillies presents an overall record of 10 wins and 7 losses, an ERA of 2.56, a WAR of 6.0, and has struck out a total of 187 batters so far this year.
• Others Receiving Votes: Joey Votto, Trea Turner, Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, Ronald Acuna Jr., Freddie Freeman, Willy Adames, Walker Buehler, Bryan Reynolds, Adam Frazier, Nick Castellanos, Jacob deGrom, Chris Taylor, Jake Cronenworth, Kevin Gausman, and Manny Machado.
• 2021 MLB AL Cy Young Award Race
• Lance Lynn – As the right-handed starting pitcher for the league-leading team, Lynn currently boasts an impressive record of 10 wins and 3 losses, alongside a stellar 2.26 ERA and 141 strikeouts for the 2021 MLB season. Although he faced a minor injury earlier this season, which may impact his rankings in innings pitched and strikeouts, his ERA remains notably lower than other American League pitchers.

Carlos Rodon – Another starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, Rodon exhibits many qualities of a Cy Young-winning pitcher. He achieved a remarkable feat of throwing a no-hitter on April 14, 2021. This left-handed pitcher commands respect on the mound and currently holds a record of 9 wins and 5 losses, with an impressive ERA of 2.38 and 160 strikeouts through the season. While Lynn has been the more consistent choice, Rodon has remained a close competitor for the title of ace starter for the White Sox.

• Gerrit Cole – Cole has been viewed as a top-tier pitcher across Major League Baseball over the past several seasons. While he is having a solid performance this year with the New York Yankees, he'll need to significantly lower his current ERA to contend for his first Cy Young award in 2021. His 185 strikeouts and record of 11 wins and 6 losses are truly commendable, yet his ERA might be a drawback compared to other contenders. Chicago White Sox Other Possibilities: Chris Bassitt, Sean Manaea, and Robbie Ray.
• 2021 MLB NL Cy Young Award Race
• Gerrit Cole – Cole Zack Wheeler – Refer to the earlier section for Wheeler's details under the National League MVP candidates.
• Brandon Woodruff – The Milwaukee Brewers have several potential candidates for the 2021 NL Cy Young award. For Woodruff to establish a solid case against front-runner Zack Wheeler, he and his teammates must finish the regular season on a strong note. Woodruff is a formidable right-handed starting pitcher with outstanding statistics this year, currently holding an ERA of 2.18 and recording 163 strikeouts over his 23 starts. Even though his record stands at 7 wins and 6 losses, he meets many of the criteria expected of a Cy Young pitcher.

Freddy Peralta – He is another right-handed pitcher for the Brewers who garners respect on the mound, whether at home or away. So far this season, his record stands at 9 wins and 3 losses, and he has an impressive 2.45 ERA along with 164 strikeouts. In my opinion, Peralta is excelling even more than Woodruff this year, though Woodruff's reputation might give him the edge. Winning a Cy Young award is no easy feat, so it's an achievement in itself to be considered a candidate.

2021 AL & NL Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Competitions

• Explore Top Online Casinos Available in Your Region
• Freddy Peralta – Peralta is another Milwaukee Brewers Lottery Jackpot Ticket Sales Estimator
• 2021 MLB American League & National League MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Competitions

As the 2021 Major League Baseball season approaches its final two months, now presents an exciting opportunity to delve into the analysis of the races for the prestigious MLB awards, including the American League and National League MVPs, Cy Young awards for both leagues, as well as Rookie of the Year honors. The regular season will wrap up on Sunday, October 3rd, 2021, which is when the stakes will rise as the Wild Card Playoff Series begins.

• This is an exhilarating period for fans of North American major sports as the MLB season concludes while the NFL, NHL, and NBA are preparing to kick off their regular seasons. Below is a list of the leading contenders for the key MLB regular season accolades.

Shohei Ohtani – The utility player for the Los Angeles Angels excels in multiple roles. He is a left-handed batter known for both his batting average and power, a right-handed pitcher with impressive starting statistics, and he is adept at stealing bases. Currently, Ohtani's batting average is .269, with a slugging percentage of .648, an on-base percentage of .363, an OPS of 1.011, OPS + of 165, along with 40 home runs, a WAR of 7.9, a 2.79 ERA, and 186 strikeouts, making him a strong candidate for the American League MVP award when the season concludes.

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – As the first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, Guerrero Jr. is a formidable presence at the plate. Despite experiencing a bit of a slump in August, he still maintains impressive statistics consistent with MVP-level performance. His current batting average stands at .313, with 35 home runs, a WAR of 4.8, 88 RBIs, an OBP of .409, a SLG of .605, an OPS of 1.013, and an OPS + of 173. To surpass Shohei Ohtani in MVP voting, he's likely required to achieve the rare Triple Crown.

Sources:

Rafael Devers – As the third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, Devers has been having an exceptional season in the American League East. Even though it seems like he’s been in the league for a long time, he's actually only 24 years old and has played for the Red Sox since the 2017 season. Currently, Devers boasts a batting average of .280, with 29 home runs and 89 RBIs. His slugging percentage is .559, his OBP is .356, his OPS is .914, and he has an OPS + of 141. , Thomas Harrigan, mlb.com, August 2, 2021.

“MVP poll: Who are the favorites?” , Thomas Harrigan, mlb.com, August 17, 2021.

“Shohei Ohtani” , baseball-reference.com, August 19, 2021.

“Vladimir Guerrero Jr.” , baseball-reference.com, August 19, 2021.

Pai Gow Tiles Three Card Poker

Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em Video Poker (Single-Hand)

Video Poker (Multi-Hand) Jacks or Better

Double Double Bonus Deuces Wild

Caribbean Stud Poker Casino War

Let it Ride Mississippi Stud

Roulette Keno

Money$uit 31 Log In

Sign Up Wizard Recommends

BetOnline Casino 50% up to $1,000

Play Read Review

22Bet Casino 100% up to $122

Play Read Review

Home ›