The All-Star break is over. It’s back to the grind now, and chances are the second half of the 2016 Major League Baseball season will look a lot different from the first half.
That makes this a good time to check in on the guys to beat in the awards races.
Ahead are Bleacher Report’s midseason picks for the five big awards in the American and National League: Comeback Player of the Year, Manager of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young and Most Valuable Player. We like to think we chose our picks with a balance of statistical analysis and logic (i.e. consideration of all relevant trends, history, performances, etc.), but you’re welcome to challenge us on either front.
At any rate, let’s get to it.