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MLB Awards Predictions

By Brad Rowland

Mar 24, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout bats against the Texas Rangers in a spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout bats against the Texas Rangers in a spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

NL MVP

  1. Giancarlo Stanton, OF Miami Marlins – Stanton operated at an MVP level before sustaining a terrifying injury late in the 2014 season, and at 25, there is no reason to think he can’t repeat that showing. His raw power is something to behold, as evidenced by 37 home runs in 145 games a year ago, and even with a home ballpark that isn’t exactly conducive to power, Stanton can top 40 home runs without much of a stretch. Beyond all of that, Miami is a darkhorse Wild Card candidate for this season, and the MVP almost always comes from a playoff-level squad. That was a significant knock on Stanton in 2014, but if the Marlins are improved and he can stay healthy, MVP is realistic.
  2. Bryce Harper, OF Washington Nationals – Here is where we fly off the rails. Bryce Harper may be the ultimate post-hype sleeper, simply because he is still only 22 (!) years old. The former number one overall pick struggled mightily (at least by his standards) in 2014, hitting only 13 home runs in 100 games, but Harper appears to be healthy as the 2015 MLB campaign opens, and we are only a stone’s throw away from a season where he hit 22 home runs as a 19-year-old. If Harper can make the leap that many expect, Washington’s persona as the top team in the National League (and maybe even MLB) will help his case, and the talent is so scary. I’m calling my shot a bit here.
  3. Jason Heyward, OF St. Louis Cardinals – Did you know that Jason Heyward finished in the top 10 of the National League in both fWAR and bWAR last season? Heyward, now 25 years old, is playing baseball in a new city for the 2015 season, but he remains the best defensive corner outfielder in baseball, and that unlocks significant value. At the plate, he will need to make strides in order to make this prediction a reality, but Heyward already has a 20-20 season on his resume, and in a contract year, it is time for the former uber-prospect to make the leap. Even if he doesn’t make that full-blown ascension, he is a 5-win player with power and speed to go along with elite defense. Not too bad.

Next: AL MVP

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