The 2026 Major League Baseball season has less than two weeks to go, and most of league’s major awards have runaway favorites – with new faces expected to win the MVP and Cy Young honors in each league.
The Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong will certainly dethrone Shohei Ohtani for the NL MVP award, snapping Ohtani’s three-year reign that dates back to his final season with the Los Angeles Angels. In the AL, the Houston Astros’ Yordan Alvarez is in the running for the Triple Crown and should win the award over the Tampa Ray Rays’ Junior Caminero, with back-to-back winner Aaron Judge hampered by an injury this season.
Advertisement
Both expected Cy Young winners are in their second MLB seasons: Cam Schlittler of the New York Yankees and Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers. Each right-hander sports an ERA below 2.00 entering Tuesday and have fans amped about the next generation of aces in MLB.
Here’s our predictions for the 2026 MLB awards:
1 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 10. T-Mobile Park, Seattle: This ballpark fits perfectly in the Northwest with the nearby mountains, skyline and water. It features an “umbrella-style” retractable roof that doesn’t enclose the park, only stopping the rain, while enabling fans to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 10. T-Mobile Park, Seattle: This ballpark fits perfectly in the Northwest with the nearby mountains, skyline and water. It features an “umbrella-style” retractable roof that doesn’t enclose the park, only stopping the rain, while enabling fans to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 9. Camden Yards, Baltimore: Meet the godfather, with its famous B&O Warehouse. This is the original retro-classic ballpark that not only dramatically influenced the look of new stadiums, but changed the fabric of some major cities. Denver, Cleveland, San Francisco and San Diego followed its lead and built downtown ballparks that completely invigorated growth.
(James A. Pittman, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 8. Coors Field, Denver: The team may stink but the ballpark is so beautiful and the vibe is so cool that it’s become a destination on its own. There’s a purple row of seats signifying the mile-high altitude, and the bullpen could be mistaken for a forest with its trees and running stream. The right-field upper-deck is the hottest bar in Denver.
(Isaiah J. Downing, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 7. Dodgers Stadium, Los Angeles: This is the most serene setting in baseball, nestled into the hillside of Chavez Ravine. It has a view of the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield, and downtown Los Angeles behind home plate. It’s hard to believe it was built in 1962 and even though it holds 56,000 fans, it still feels intimate.
(William Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 6. Oracle Park, San Francisco: This ballpark has the second-best view in baseball behind PNC Park with its bay backdrop and splash-down hits in McCovey Cove, but only if you happen to sit in the upper deck. The park is already showing its age and its concourses are narrow and cramped, making it difficult to move around, with the Giants already out-growing the place and badly needing more space.
(Scott Marshall, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 5. Petco Park, San Diego: This gorgeous park doesn’t quite have the stunning views as Pittsburgh or San Francisco, but it’s pretty darn close. The architecture is beautiful and the old Western Metal Company warehouse in left-field gives it a retro look. It also happens to be located in the heart of the lively Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego.
(Orlando Ramirez, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
7 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 4. Target Field, Minneapolis: This may be the most impressive urban design in baseball on its downtown eight-acre site with freeways and trains outside the park, and warehouses to the left. It also has an ultra-modern look inside, with a 360-degree open concourse, that celebrates the club’s glorious history. Its nod to the retro look is the iconic neon Minnie and Paul home-run sign featuring two ballplayers shaking hands over the Mississippi River representing the Twin Cities.
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No 3. PNC Park, Pittsburgh: The most gorgeous ballpark in America. Forget the game on the field. You want to be sitting in the upper deck taking in the view of the Clemente Bridge, the Pittsburgh skyline and the Allegheny River. It’s magnificent.
(Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 2. Wrigley Field, Chicago: There’s not a more beautiful sight than walking into the ballpark and taking your first look at that beautiful green grass, the ivy on the walls and the iconic scoreboard in center field. Taking in a Friday afternoon game, hitting Murphy Bleachers afterward, and enjoying the Chicago nightlife is utopia for any baseball fan.
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10 / 10
Visit the 10 best MLB stadiums, ranked by baseball insider
No. 1 Fenway Park, Boston: No ballpark in America has the romantic feel or the unique quirks of Fenway Park, from the Green Monster to Pesky’s Pole. It’s not a baseball game, but a religious experience watching games at Fenway.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Triple Crown incoming? The 29-year-old has proven himself as one of the greatest sluggers of the era and should win this award easily, having already set a career-high with 38 home runs. He’s the runaway favorite, but Houston getting back into the postseason would even further ice this for Alvarez.
Advertisement
Also in the running: Junior Caminero (Rays), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)
With Shohei Ohtani injured this summer, PCA has locked this up as he closes in on the seventh 40-40 season in MLB history. The 24-year-old is putting together one of the greatest years ever, with a 9.3 fWAR while leading the National League in slugging and OPS.
Also in the running: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers)
We knew Cam Schlittler was good after his impact as a rookie in 2025, but nobody could have fathomed the 25-year-old would be this good in his sophomore season. The right-hander is having one of the greatest pitching seasons could be the first Yankees pitcher with a sub-2 ERA since Ron Guidry in 1978. Even more impressive is his leading the AL in innings (184.2) and starts (31).
Advertisement
Also in the running: Dylan Cease (Blue Jays)
A controversial All-Star selection as a rookie last season, The Miz has been by far the NL’s best pitcher at age 24, leading the league in ERA (1.95), strikeouts (236) and WHIP (0.80).
1 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
(Scott Marshall, Imagn Images)
1 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
(Scott Marshall, Imagn Images)
2 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.
(David Richard, Imagn Images)
3 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
4 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
(Benny Sieu, Imagn Images)
5 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 13: The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Spencer Horwitz celebrates a home run in the dugout while wearing a welder’s hood during the 16-5 win over the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
6 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 12: Philadelphia Phillies mascot, The Phanatic, entertains fans with local team mascots for a birthday celebration before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.
(Kyle Ross, Imagn Images)
7 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 11: The Tampa Bay Rays’ Jonathan Aranda (left) celebrates with Ryan Vilade after hitting a walk-off single against the New York Yankees in the 10th inning of a 5-4 win at Tropicana Field.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
8 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Cleveland Guardians’ Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the team’s all-time leader in games played against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on April 6, 2026.
(David Dermer, Imagn Images)
9 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A rainbow appears during the fourth inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 6, 2026.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
10 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A fan dresses as the Pope claps during the first inning of the game between the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at Rate Field on April 5, 2026. The White Sox won the game, 3-0, to complete a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)
11 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
12 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A young Red Sox fan meets Tessie the Boston Red Sox mascot before the Red Sox’s home opener against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park on April 3, 2026.
(Eric Canha, Imagn Images)
13 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
14 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) and center fielder Jakob Marsee celebrate a victory against the Chicago White Sox at loanDepot Park on April 1, 2026.
(Jim Rassol, Imagn Images)
15 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Fans try to catch a solo home run hit by the San Francisco Giants’ Matt Chapman as San Diego Padres left fielder Nick Castellanos looks on during the third inning at Petco Park on March 31, 2026.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
16 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Philadelphia Phillies mascot The Phillie Phanatic entertains fans during the game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026.
(Kyle Ross, Imagn Images)
17 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Kazuma Okamoto gets doused with ice water by teammates after a win over the Athletics at Rogers Centre on March 29, 2026.
(John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)
18 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Cincinnati Reds’ Eugenio Suárez blows a bubble as he waits to bat against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026.
(Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)
19 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The St. Louis Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt is doused with water by teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 10th inning at Busch Stadium on March 28, 2026.
(Jeff Curry, Imagn Images)
20 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Fans react as the Milwaukee Brewers’ Jake Bauers homers against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field on March 26, 2026.
(Jovanny Hernandez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
21 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
Also in the running: Chris Sale (Braves)
AL Rookie of the Year: Kevin McGonigle, Tigers
Things didn’t go as planned for Tarik Skubal’s final season in Detroit, but McGonigle’s breakthrough is the major positive to take away from this year. The Tigers signed McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million extension and the infielder who was 21 on opening day is currently approaching 7 WAR on the season.
Advertisement
Also in the running: Parker Messick (Guardians), Munetaka Murakami (White Sox)
Stewart has been invaluable for the Reds, primarily playing the corner infield positions while also seeing time at second base, racking up 31 home runs with 107 RBIs and 15 steals.
Also in the running: JJ Wetherholt (Cardinals), Nolan McLean (Mets)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB award predictions 2026: MVPs Ohtani and Judge will be dethroned
