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MLB Awards Watch: Kris Bryant carries the NL MVP flag

By Brad Rowland

Jul 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits an RBI double during the first inning of the game against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits an RBI double during the first inning of the game against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016 MLB season is evaporating before our eyes. The trade deadline is now in the rear view mirror (unless, of course, you count waiver deals…) and every team in the league has completed at least 60% of its schedule. In short, the stretch run is nearing when it comes to pennant and wild card races, and that also goes for individual pursuits in the form of awards.

Today, we will catch up on each of MLB’s major award races, beginning with NL Rookie of the Year and moving toward AL MVP by the end. Let’s get to the particulars now.

NL Rookie of the Year

1. player. 71. <p>At this point in the campaign, Corey Seager may be able to just stop playing baseball and still have the profile of a Rookie of the Year winner. The former super-prospect comfortably leads the way in every advanced statistical category, and Seager boasts a strong traditional line as well, with 21 home runs and a .302/.357/.532 slash line. He is a high-end defender at a premium position and, frankly, it almost seems unfair to include him alongside the other MLB rookies this season.</p>. SS. Los Angeles Dodgers. Corey Seager

71. <p>There are other pitchers (Steven Matz, Junior Guerra) worthy of consideration here, but Maeda has enjoyed the best season. The 28-year-old right-hander leads all NL rookie pitchers in fWAR (2.6) while boasting a 3.22 ERA (3.42 FIP) and Maeda also sets the pace in innings pitched with more than 125 across 22 starts. There is absolutely nothing flashy about his game, but Maeda has been a much-needed rock for the rotation in Los Angeles, and without Clayton Kershaw lately, his presence has been magnified.</p>. SP. Los Angeles Dodgers. Kenta Maeda. 2. player

108. <p>This might be the final time that we see Story included here, but it won’t be because of lack of production. Story was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his thumb last week and, as a result, he will likely spend the remainder of the 2016 season on the shelf. If this is the last time, we should certainly recognize that Story was fantastic as a rookie, blasting 27 home runs in only 97 games, and even with some flaws elsewhere (31% strikeout rate), that type of power is crazy for a player who plays full-time at shortstop.</p>. SS. Colorado Rockies. Trevor Story. 3. player

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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