The MLB 2015 season is getting close to the end and some predictions heading into the stretch run will cover some of the top awards and matchups, including the MVP winners in the AL and NL, the World Series matchup, division champions and Cy Young winners.
The MVP races are not all that competitive this season because players in both leagues have put up such good numbers that no one else really can match up. Josh Donaldson in the American League and Bryce Harper in the National League have really put up strong stats this season and they both likely will end up winning the awards. Donaldson has helped propel the Blue Jays towards the playoffs after being traded in the offseason, while Harper has put up some of the best numbers in the AL across the board.
Predictions: Donaldson wins in AL. Harper wins in NL.
The World Series has the potential for some great matchup combinations, as teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, NY Mets, NY Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays are all in contention. The Cardinals have the best record in baseball, while the Royals have been the most consistent team in the AL for a while. The Blue Jays have made a run and they are going to be tough to beat in the AL, while the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers are all threats.
Prediction: Dodgers against Royals. Dodgers win World Series in 6 games.
The Cy Young race in the AL has some solid names with Chris Sale and Sonny Gray in contention, but this has been the year of Dallas Keuchel. Keuchel has been consistent all season for the Astros and he has put up some gaudy numbers this year with a 2.51 ERA, 203 strikeouts and a 18-8 record. While the Cy Young is not supposed to factor in team record, the fact that Keuchel plays for a contender and both Sale and Gray are out of the race could be enough. In the NL, Zack Greinke has put up some historic numbers this season and he is considered the favorite, but Jake Arrieta has been dealing lately and could take it. Arrieta has had one of the best five start stretches in history and now he is 20-6 on the season with a 1.88 ERA. Clayton Kershaw is going to get some consideration and Arrieta has also had a great season and could snag it.
Prediction: Keuchel wins it in the AL. Arrieta wins over Greinke in NL in a very close vote.
The division races are starting to take clear shape and in the AL Central the Royals are in position to win it. The Blue Jays and Yankees still have some games to play, but the Jays are up a few games and could hold on in the AL East. The AL West has the Astros and Rangers battling it out and that is a close race with more games to play between the teams. The Mets and Dodgers have strong leads in their divisions, while the Cardinals are up a few games on the Pirates:
Prediction: Blue Jays, Royals, Rangers, Dodgers, Mets, Cardinals division winners.
Wild card has Yankees, Astros, Cubs and Pirates.
Check here for more on the 2015 MLB awards and playoffs standings.
