MLB Award: Staff Predictions For MVP, Rookie Of The Year

In one of the most fun exercises of the year, predicting award winners at the beginning of the season ranks up there. Every organization, player, and coach has a blank slate right now. They all control their own destinies making this one of the most exciting times of the year. Both American League and National League teams are ready to get going. Analysts are predicting the MLB Award winners. It is officially the start of the 2022 season.

Over the off season, we saw many changes. Free agents switching teams, trades being made, surprise signings, and rule changes. Offenses changed. Lineups changed. An MLB Award was added. The makeups of clubhouses changed as all of these facets came together through the many months in the off season. With that comes new predictions for players changing teams and even those staying with their teams. Also, new comers add another bout of excitement to the season. Names like Bobby Witt Jr., and Wander Franco will continue to impress and be mentioned quite a bit. Will they be worthy of an award?

National League Most Valuable Player

STAFF PICK: Juan Soto, OF, Washington Nationals

The origin of "The Soto Shuffle" 🙌@markdero7 catches up with @Nationals stars Juan Soto, @AdamSpankyEaton and @carterkieboom on Saturday's episode of #PlayBall at 10am ET! pic.twitter.com/m4kAR91sdv— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 22, 2020

Juana Soto has been on the cusp of a Most Valuable Player Award. The 23-year-old finished second in MVP voting in 2021 but will win this year.

American League Most Valuable Player

STAFF PICK: Vlad Guerrero Jr., 1B/3B, Toronto Blue Jays

Vlad Guerrero Jr. almost takes Max Scherzer’s head off and then apologizes 😭 pic.twitter.com/oTv06MiY5o— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 14, 2021

ZiPS is projecting an MVP-level season for Vlad Guerrero Jr. Across approximately 600 at-bats, Guerrero is projected to hit 43 homeruns with 117 runs as well as 31 doubles. Not bad for a 23-year-old.

National League Cy Young

STAFF PICK: Walker Buehler, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

American League Cy Young

STAFF PICK: Lucas Giolito, SP, Chicago White Sox

Things that give me life:

• NASTY pitches like this from Lucas Giolito
• Javier Baez taking huge swings at nothing

pic.twitter.com/fcs48zrLin— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) April 8, 2022

National League Rookie Of The Year

STAFF PICK: Seiya Suzuki, OF, Chicago Cubs

American League Rookie Of The Year

STAFF PICK: Bobby Witt Jr., INF, Kansas City Royals

Welcome to the show, @BwittJr. pic.twitter.com/cRErZ121Re— MLB (@MLB) April 7, 2022

National League Manager Of The Year

STAFF PICK: Buck Showalter, New York Mets

American League Manager Of The Year

STAFF PICK: Charlie Montoya, Toronto Blue Jays

National League Reliever Of The Year

STAFF PICK: Devin Williams, RP, Milwaukee Brewers

Devin Williams, Airbender Illustrated. pic.twitter.com/BRkOVqMf6l— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 28, 2022

American League Reliever Of The Year

STAFF PICK: Emmanuel Clase, RP, Cleveland Guardians

National League Edgar Martinez Award – NEW MLB Award

STAFF PICK: Kyle Shwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies

Here's a look at Kyle Schwarber's homer to right. pic.twitter.com/vLgiKxZ2zE— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 3, 2022

American League Edgar Martinez Award – NEW MLB Award

STAFF PICK: Yordan Alvarez, DH, Houston Astros

Our Latest: Five Bold Predictions For The 2022 MLB Season