Shohei Ohtani & Jacob Misiorowski Lead NL Awards

With the All‑Star break looming, the National League’s award picture is sharpening around two names: Shohei Ohtani in the MVP race and Jacob Misiorowski dominating the Cy Young conversation. Ohtani’s June hitting surged to a .333 average, placing him among the league’s top five in OBP, SLG and OPS while his pitching remains solid with a 3.28 ERA. Misiorowski, meanwhile, has become the seventh NL pitcher to notch ten wins, posting a sub‑2.00 ERA and a staggering 167 strikeouts that widen his edge over the rest of baseball.

National League Cy Young Front‑Runners

Jacob Misiorowski leads the NL with a 1.62 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 167 strikeouts over 111.0 innings. His back‑to‑back double‑digit strikeout games have set him apart, making him the only pitcher under 2.00 ERA entering the break. The 29‑year‑old’s 10‑4 record and 27 walks give him a solid profile for the award.

Cristopher Sanchez still hovers in the conversation despite a rocky last start. After giving up nine earned runs in 3.1 innings against the Royals, his ERA swelled to 8.22 over the past three outings. Sanchez owns a 2.62 ERA and 137 strikeouts, but his recent struggles could cost him ground before the All‑Star break.

Chris Sale posted a 2.27 ERA and 112 strikeouts, highlighting a July 4th win over the Mets. The 37‑year‑old has recorded 13 starts with two or fewer runs and has yet to walk more than two times in ten of those games. Sale’s durability and low walk rate keep him relevant in the Cy Young mix.

Chase Burns is a rising star with a 2.40 ERA and 10 wins, set to make his first All‑Star appearance. The 23‑year‑old is one of only five pitchers drafted and selected to the All‑Star game within two years, underscoring his rapid ascent. Burns’ 116 strikeouts and 31 walks show potential, though his defensive support has been limited.

American League Cy Young Contenders

Cam Schlittler currently leads the AL with a 2.01 ERA and 112.0 innings pitched. After a rough outing against the Tigers, he rebounded with an eight‑strikeout, one‑run performance versus the Rays, earning a 5‑1 win. Schlittler also tops the league in WHIP (0.93) and OBA (.201), making him a top lock for the award.

Dylan Cease possesses a league‑leading 137 strikeouts and has not allowed a home run in five straight games. His 2.79 ERA and 90.1 innings paired with four shutout games demonstrate consistent dominance. Cease’s ability to keep the ball in the park bolsters his Cy Young candidacy.

Drew Rasmussen logged a 2.78 ERA before a rough start against Houston, allowing five runs in one outing. He still boasts a 0.00 ERA against the Yankees, striking out 13 over 13 innings with only one walk. Rasmussen’s recent inconsistency is offset by his excellent work against New York.

Tarik Skubal turned a corner after a solid Yankees start, posting nine strikeouts without a walk over six innings. His 3.15 ERA and 65.2 innings reflect a promising second half after injury‑affected months. Skubal’s 30 strikeouts to two walks in four recent starts suggest upward momentum.

National League MVP Race Heats Up

Shohei Ohtani posted a .333 batting average in June, finishing top five in OBP, SLG and OPS while adding eight homers and 23 runs. As a pitcher he kept a 3.28 ERA, showing he remains a two‑way threat. Ohtani’s secondary skills and power keep him at the top of the NL MVP conversation.

Pete Crow‑Armstrong continues his MVP surge with a .381 average in June and .500 in early July. His eight home runs and 20 RBIs over 26 games have vaulted him to the No. 2 spot in many polls. Crow‑Armstrong’s hot streak makes him a sleeper candidate for the award.

Kyle Schwarber has seen his power dip, logging just one home run in the last 13 games. His .176 batting average in July and seven consecutive homer‑less games signal a dip in form. Schwarber’s .930 OPS and 30 homers still place him in the mix, but his recent slump stalls his momentum.

James Wood leads the NL in runs scored (81) and boasts 24 home runs, earning his second consecutive All‑Star selection. His .398 OBP and .930 OPS demonstrate elite production, and Washington’s above‑.500 record spotlights his impact. Wood’s all‑around numbers make him a legitimate top‑five MVP candidate.

American League MVP Field Takes Shape

Yordan Alvarez sits atop the AL MVP odds with a .318 batting average, 29 home runs and a 1.056 OPS. His July .381 average and three homers keep him in prime position. If the Astros secure a playoff spot, Alvarez’s case will only strengthen.

Junior Caminero has ignited the race with a .309 average and 11 home runs over his last 13 games. Tampa Bay’s first‑place status amplifies his candidacy, as he brings power and run production. Caminero’s .284 average and 26 home runs show balanced skills, making him a top challenger.

Nick Kurtz slipped after a .250 June and a .178 July, dropping from early favorite status. His .275 average and .415 OBP remain solid, but his .178 July average and 30 strikeouts could hurt his standing. Kurtz will need a strong second half to stay relevant.

Ben Rice fell from early MVP contender to a .196 June average, with 30 strikeouts dwarfing his 11 walks. Without Aaron Judge’s presence, Rice’s .267 average and .565 SLG have lost some luster. A turnaround in the second half could revive his chances, but the current slump is concerning.

The first half of the season has set clear front‑runners in both leagues, with Ohtani and Misiorowski leading the NL charge. Who will rise to challenge them as the second half begins?