With the 2023 MLB season just days away, the present presents a perfect opportunity to offer my 2023 MLB award predictions.

Last year, the Houston Astros were crowned with a World Series win, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies to solidify their status as a dynasty. Bryce Harper won the MVP award after failing to make the All-Star game, and Aaron Judge set the AL record for most home runs in a single season with 62, tallying just one more than Roger Maris‘ record of 61. This season should hold no less excitement. So with that, let’s take a look at what could happen.

NL Rookie of the Year: Corbin Carroll (OF, Arizona Diamondbacks)

Carroll, 16th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, excelled in the Minor Leagues during the 2022 season, posting 24 homers and a 1.035 OPS within 93 games of Double- and Triple-A ball. When it came time for Carroll’s call-up, he made his mark in the majors, slashing a .260/.330/.500 in 32 games played. Moreover, Carroll has all of the tools that ultimately lead to success as a hitter in the MLB.

AL Rookie of the Year: Hunter Brown (P, Houston Astros)

The call to Brown as a top-option for Houston comes into fruition with Justin Verlander‘s departure to the New York Mets. Brown has spent time emulating the hard-throwing right-hander. Brown was drafted in the fifth-round in the 2019 MLB Draft and has had outstanding seasons in the minors. More specifically, Brown’s 2022 campaign with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys resulted in 134 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.55 in 106 innings pitched. He got his call up the majors and, though a small sample size, Brown ended with a 0.89 ERA in seven games pitched.

NL Cy Young: Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins)

Among a stacked group of pitchers in contention, including former winner Corbin Burnes, Justin Verlander, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Max Scherzer, there is not one bad prediction. Alcantara won the award last year and yes, I am predicting a repeat. The Marlins have gotten better as a team and Alcantara has looked the part in Spring Training. He has been sensational in each appearance.

AL Cy Young: Dylan Cease (Chicago White Sox)

Cease is coming off of a spectacular season in 2022, accumulating the fifth-most strikeouts among all starting pitchers. He also finished second in Cy Young voting last season behind Verlander, who has now shifted to the National League. Jacob deGrom could pose competition, but that’s assuming he can stay healthy. I’m not convinced he can.

NL Manager of the Year: Torey Lovullo (Arizona Diamonbacks)

There are safe bets in this category for the National League (Buck Showalter, Rob Thomson, Dave Roberts) and then there is Lovullo. That sounds contradicting, right? The obvious choice should be a safe bet. But the MLB loves a surprise in these awards. The Arizona Diamondbacks have a chance to be sneaky good this season. Lovullo is a prior winner of the award in 2017, and I think he could reclaim the award this season.

AL Manager of the Year: Bruce Bochy (Texas Rangers)

A non-too-confident pick, but Bochy, a three-time World Series winner, could remind us why he was hired. I’ll give you a hint, experience. Bochy, a three-time World Series winner, is an experienced manager, and experienced skippers are hard to come by. With money now invested into the roster, the Rangers could surprise many people.

NL MVP: Trea Turner (SS, Philadelphia Phillies)

Turner was coined ‘Captain America’ in his prolific debut as Team USA’s shortstop in the World Baseball Classic. He set the record for most home runs by an American player and tied the WBC record for most in a single tournament. He was exciting to watch. Every plate appearance you just expected something great. So I see no reason not to feel that way entering the 2023 MLB season. Turner, who is slotted to hit leadoff, has never had a lineup this good hitting behind him. And it will only get better when Harper returns from his Tommy John surgery.

AL MVP: Julio Rodriguez (OF, Seattle Mariners)

22-year-old Rodriguez signed a complicated contract extension after a sensational rookie year with the Mariners. He is guaranteed $210 million over 12 years, but it can grow to $470 million for over 17 years. This extension came after one season in the MLB, but thats how good Rodriguez was. And it’s not crazy to think a sophomore in the league can win the MVP award. A handful of guys at the age of 23 and 24 have won the award. Also, it’s the MLB, so anything can happen.

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