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Awards season is officially here and the finalists for the Baseball Writers Association of America were announced live on the MLB Network Monday night. The Atlanta Braves were well represented with Mike Soroka and Brian Snitker announced as finalists for Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year in the National League.
NL Rookie of the Year
- Pete Alonso
- Mike Soroka
- Fernando Tatis Jr.
Pete Alonso is probably the overwhelming favorite given his 53 homer campaign but Mike Soroka’s season shouldn’t be overlooked. Soroka was impressive and was arguably the Braves’ ace at just 21 years of age. His poise was evident given his 1.55 ERA on the road.
NL Manager of the Year Award
- Craig Counsell
- Mike Shildt
- Brian Snitker
Brian Snitker gives the Braves two awards finalists as he is once again up for Manager of the Year in the National League. Snitker took home the award last season and led the Braves to their second straight NL East crown. He is joined as finalists by Milwaukee’s Craig Counsell and St. Louis skipper Mike Shildt.
NL Most Valuable Player Award
- Cody Bellinger
- Anthony Rendon
- Christian Yelich
Cody Bellinger turned in the best season of his career and looks like the favorite to take home the NL MVP award. Christian Yelich was also putting together a compelling case before his season was cut short due to injury.
NL Cy Young Award
- Jacob deGrom
- Hyun-Jin Ryu
- Max Scherzer
Jacob deGrom may be the favorite here to land his second straight Cy Young award. Ryu turned in a solid season but slumped down the stretch. Scherzer was once again Scherzer but was limited by back issues in the second half.
AL Rookie of the Year
- Yordan Alvarez
- Brandon Lowe
- John Means
Yordan Alvarez burst onto the scene for the Astros and looks like the runaway favorite for AL Rookie of the Year.
AL Cy Young Award
- Gerrit Cole
- Charlier Morton
- Justin Verlander
Two Astros in Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander and one former Astro in Tampa right-hander Charlie Morton are your finalists for the AL Cy Young Award.
AL Manager of the Year
- Rocco Baldelli
- Aaron Boone
- Kevin Cash
Rocco Baldelli led the Twins to 101 wins and an AL Central crown in his first season on the bench. Aaron Boone led the Yankees to over 100 wins for the second straight season and Kevin Cash seems to be a perennial candidate given the Rays’ sustained success.
AL Most Valuable Player Award
- Alex Bregman
- Marcus Semien
- Mike Trout
Mike Trout is a perennial MVP candidate but ended the season on the injured list. Alex Bregman helped lead the Astros to the World Series while Marcus Semien is probably the most surprising candidate on any of these lists.