The 2026 Major League Baseball season opens on March 25 with the New York Yankees facing the San Francisco Giants. As part of an annual preview series, MLB highlights the most likely candidates for the four major Baseball Writers’ Association of America awards—MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year—in each division, limiting selections to one per team.
The preview emphasizes players and managers poised to build legacies through these awards, alongside the prestige of a World Series win. Selections focus on recent performances, health, and team contexts without predicting outcomes beyond potential.
In the AL East, Aaron Judge of the Yankees stands out for MVP after three recent wins and consistent health, playing 148 or more games in four of the last five seasons; he turns 34 on April 26. Garrett Crochet of the Red Sox is favored for Cy Young after finishing second in 2025, leading the AL in innings pitched and strikeouts. Trey Yesavage of the Blue Jays is the Rookie of the Year pick, highlighted by his 3.58 ERA in 27 2/3 postseason innings versus 3.21 in 14 regular-season frames last year. Craig Albernaz, the new Orioles manager, is tipped for Manager of the Year amid a talented roster following two disappointing seasons.
For the AL Central, José Ramírez of the Guardians eyes MVP, with eight top-10 finishes including third in 2025 and a contract through 2032. Tarik Skubal of the Tigers aims for a third straight Cy Young, a feat last achieved by Randy Johnson from 1999-2002. Carter Jensen of the Royals is the rookie choice after a .941 OPS in 20 debut games at age 22. Derek Shelton, recently with the Twins after managing the Pirates, is the Manager of the Year candidate if they contend.
In the AL West, Julio Rodríguez of the Mariners is again picked for MVP as a consistent superstar. Jacob deGrom of the Rangers is the Cy Young favorite if healthy. Tatsuya Imai, newly with the Astros from Japan's NPB, is the rookie selection for his potential rotation impact. Mark Kotsay of the A’s is noted for Manager of the Year with his best team yet.
The NL East features Juan Soto of the Mets for MVP in his prime, four years younger than Shohei Ohtani. Chris Sale of the Braves is the Cy Young pick for his career resurgence. Justin Crawford of the Phillies, son of Carl Crawford, is the rookie with game-changing speed. Clayton McCullough of the Marlins could earn Manager honors in a potential four-team race.
In the NL Central, Elly De La Cruz of the Reds is favored for MVP as his skills align. Paul Skenes of the Pirates eyes Cy Young with a career ERA under 2.00. JJ Wetherholt of the Cardinals is the rookie, set for Opening Day leadoff. Craig Counsell of the Cubs, yet to win the award, leads favorites since 2017.
Finally, the NL West has Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers as the clear MVP. Logan Webb of the Giants is the Cy Young candidate after strong voting finishes and a World Baseball Classic start. Charlie Condon of the Rockies is the ambitious rookie pick at first base. Torey Lovullo of the Diamondbacks, the franchise's winningest manager, seeks the award with a playoff push.
