Yelich took batting practice before Friday’s season opener against the Chicago Cubs, and watched midseason as he attacked a bomb that accidentally damaged a portion of the Wrigley Field scoreboard:
. @ ChristianYelich> Whiteboard at Wrigley Field. # Corte4 pic.twitter.com/fupGu7CgFB
– Corte4 (@ corte4) July 24, 2020
The 2018 National League MVP who was recently named the league’s top star by ESPN’s Paul Hembekides hit 44 homers in 2019. Friday’s blast won’t be his popularity among Cubs fans who unfortunately didn’t they may attend Wrigley Field due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Related Slide Show: Predicting Award Winners Heading For The 2020 MLB Season (Provided by Yardbarker)
Predict the award winners heading to the 2020 MLB season
Even with a scheduled 60 game season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MLB Awards are still slated to be awarded at the end of the year. As we get closer to opening day, these players stand out as the best candidates.
National League MVP: Ronald Acuña Jr., OF, Bravos
Perhaps baseball’s most exciting offensive player, Acuña finished fifth in the National League MVP vote last year, just his first full MLB season. Getting to the start puts you in the position of stacking home runs and stolen bases, and you could escape with the MVP Award if you have a quick start.
AL’s Most Valuable Player: Mike Trout, CF, Angels
Trout is the big favorite to win the AL MVP that enters each season, with three MVPs and eight first four finals. There is a major complication this year as Trout will waste time with his wife for having a child. By leading the American League in OPS + for five consecutive seasons, Trout has the talent to make up for lost time.
NL Cy Young: Trevor Bauer, SP, Reds
2019 was a season Bauer would like to forget, but the pending free agent was a favorite to win the AL Cy Young with Cleveland in 2018 before an accidental injury. Cincinnati’s schedule against only National League Central Division and American League opponents gives Bauer an advantage over pitchers in the National League East and National League West, which might be enough for him Steal the award in a shorter season.
AL Cy Young: Gerrit Cole, SP, Yankees
Cole charged a nine-year, $ 324 million contract with the Yankees over the winter after winning the AL ERA title last season with Houston. Yankee Stadium is a tougher environment for Cole, but he could certainly get going in 10 starts.
National League Rookie of the Year: Dustin May, SP, Dodgers
May showed great skill for the Dodgers last season, and her chance to win the Rookie of the Year Award was improved when David Price retired from the season. If he is healthy, May has a great chance to win the award with some success already under his belt.
AL Rookie of the Year: Luis Robert, CF, White Sox
Robert talked about spring training before closing, and he hit .328-32-92 with 36 stolen bases in the minors last season. His plate discipline could use some work, but a hot streak could win Robert Rookie of the Year.
National League Manager of the Year: David Bell, Reds
Cincinnati quietly had an excellent offense with notable moves like the additions of Nick Castellanos, Mike Moustakas and Shogo Akiyama. They still have to put it all together, but this list is capable of making a huge jump of 75 wins last season with Bell.
AL Manager of the Year: Kevin Cash, Rays
Cash had led the Rays to more than 90 consecutive winning seasons, and this year’s roster could be the deepest he has had in five seasons. He certainly deserves consideration for Manager of the Year if he can lead the team to the playoffs.
Executive of the Year: Andrew Friedman, Dodgers
Most Dodgers during the offseason were quiet until Friedman struck a late blockbuster deal, acquiring former Red Sox star Mookie Betts and David Price. Price has chosen to exit the season, but Betts has the potential to put the Dodgers on top. If it happens, Friedman will again be the Executive of the Year favorite.
National League return player: Yoenis Céspedes, OF, Mets
The stars are lining up for Cespedes, who had extra time to heal from serious lower body injuries and can now DH in the shortened season. It was out for all of 2019, but it could provide great power for the Mets in 2020.
American League return player: Carlos Carrasco, SP, Indios
Carrasco missed much of last season due to leukemia, but it will be a key part of Cleveland’s initial rotation in the shortened season. He has had extra time to hit and had an ERA below 4.00 in five consecutive seasons prior to his abbreviated 2019.
National League reliever of the year: Josh Hader, Brewers
With extra time for Corey Knebel to get his elbow back, Brewers manager Craig Counsell has another chance to employ Hader in a multi-inning role this year. The left-hander has been the most dominant reliever in baseball in the past two seasons with a K / 9 above 16 and should be the most valuable in a shortened season if he continues to rack up innings.
AL Relief of the Year: Nick Anderson, Rays
Anderson was nearly untouchable after the Rays acquired him last year, allowing five runs in 21.1 innings with 41/2 K / BB. He is now the front-runner to serve as the team’s closer in 2020 and could draw a lot of attention if he adds more saves to his resume.
NL Platinum Glove: Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
The current NL Platinum Glove winner and three-time award winner, Arenado is easily recognized for his elite offensive and defensive play. He also won a Gold Glove in each of his seven seasons.
AL Platinum Glove: Andrelton Simmons, SS, Angels
Ankle and foot injuries disrupted Simmons’ 2019 season, but he has an excellent defensive record with a platinum glove and four gold gloves at shortstop. You have a chance to regain that momentum at age 30.
Outstanding DH Award: JD Martinez, Red Sox
Martinez’s bat has never been more important to his team, with the Red Sox apparently in a mini rebuild after switching to Mookie Betts. He should continue hitting in the middle of Boston’s order and has achieved outstanding numbers in his first two seasons with the team.
NLCS MVP: Cody Bellinger, CF, Dodgers
Bellinger won the National League MVP last season, and his bat will be a major factor for Los Angeles again this season. He won the 2018 NLCS MVP but has struggled in the playoffs overall for his career with a .560 OPS.
ALCS MVP: Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees
A rib injury left the judge out during spring training, and how healthy he is remains to be seen. The Yankees have enough talent to do without him for a while, but Judge should have enough time to get ready for the playoffs. He has always excelled in the playoffs with a lifetime OPS of .910.
World Series MVP: Mookie Betts, RF, Dodgers
Wouldn’t it be appropriate for one of MLB’s offseason biggest prizes and biggest free agent next offseason to help the Dodgers win a World Series? Betts doesn’t have a great playoff resume with an .654 OPS in 99 plate appearances, but his experience in Boston should help him move forward.
