2021 Midseason Award Winners: My Selections

I have decided to write a post on my midseason award winners. The following awards will be listed: Cy Young, MVP, and ROY (Rookie of the Year). I will include stats for each selected player and add other candidates as well.

NL Cy Young and NL MVP: Jacob deGrom

At this point, deGrom could win every award, including the American League awards, and I would not complain one bit. Ending the first half with a ridiculous 1.08 ERA, he is on a whole other level. When he has a 95 MPH slider in his back pocket with pinpoint control, I wish every opposing hitter good luck, they are not going to be able to hit it. Jake makes these hitters look like fools as they flail at his pitches. I almost forgot to mention that his ability to hit is quite amazing as well, as he also played shortstop at Stetson University. The only thing stopping deGrom is his health. Fernando Tatis Jr. can sit on the backburner, this is deGrom's time.

Other NL Cy Young Candidates:

Kevin Gausman- Giants

Other NL MVP Candidates:

Fernando Tatis Jr.- Padres

AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Guerrero has officially arrived to say the least. Leading the league in average and RBI at the end of the first half, Vlad will look to keep his foot on the gas to season's end. His powerful swing is so majestic and beautiful to watch. He could easily end up with 50 home runs and over 110 RBI by season's end. Personally, I do think Guerrero is better than Ohtani to set the record straight.

Other AL MVP Candidates:

Shohei Ohtani- Angels

AL Cy Young: Gerrit Cole

When people think of Gerrit Cole, they cannot help but think of foreign substances or spider tack. Once the rule was in place, Cole struggled his first few starts, with an ERA around 4.6. He silenced the doubters with a record setting performance to end the first half. Cole shoved for nine innings while racking up a dozen punch outs. I forgot to mention he threw an absurd 129 pitches as well. It is safe to say that the Cole Train is back, as he should be great in the second half.

Other AL Cy Young Candidates:

Lance Lynn- White Sox

Carlos Rodon- White Sox

NL Rookie of the Year: Trevor Rogers

The Marlins are known for having an underrated rotation and they have found themselves yet another young arm in the form of Trevor Rogers. For me, this selection came down to three options: Ke'Bryan Hayes, Dylan Carlson, or the aforementioned Rogers. I have been very high on the Marlins rotation as a whole before the season began, as I have written about them in my "Underrated Rotations" post way back in March. Rogers looked to be the real deal in the first half and I think his success will continue to season's end. With Sixto Sanchez out for the year, Rogers has stepped up big time for Miami. That being said, the other candidates are not far behind, as Ke'Bryan Hayes and Dylan Carlson have had great seasons.

Other NL Rookie of the Year Candidates:

Dylan Carlson- Cardinals

Ke'Bryan Hayes- Pirates

Ian Anderson- Braves

AL Rookie of the Year: Adolis Garcia- Rangers

Ugh, deciding this winner was a little tougher than my National League selection. Both Adolis Garcia and Luis Garcia have had great seasons, but I have decided Adolis Garcia will be my pick. Aside from Joey Gallo and Kyle Gibson, the Rangers do not get a lot of attention. Garcia showed he can perform at a high level in the first half, resulting in him being named an All-Star as a rookie.

Other AL Rookie of the Year Candidates:

Luis Garcia- Astros

Final Thoughts: I hope you enjoyed my midseason award winners post. I know it is not as detailed as usual, but I wanted to get this out before we get later into the second half!

See you at the Ballpark!!!

Adam