MLB Awards Finalists Announced, Betts Among MVP Candidates
By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
It should come as no surprise that Mookie Betts is a finalist for the American League MVP award.
What many may consider a surprise is that J.D. Martinez isn’t even a candidate.
The Baseball Writers Association of America announced the finalists for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year in both leagues Monday night, with Betts joining Mike Trout of the Angels and Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez as the candidates for American League MVP.
Martinez, who hit 43 home runs and threatened to win the Triple Crown, did not make the final three.
Oct 24, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder J.D. Martinez hits a two-run single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning in game two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The National League MVP award will go to either Christian Yelich of the Brewers, Chicago’s Javier Baez, or Nolan Arenado of the Rockies.
Chris Sale is not a finalist for the AL Cy Young award. Blake Snell of the Rays, Cleveland’s Corey Kluber, and Houston’s Justin Verlander made the list.
In the National League, Mets ace Jacob deGrom is up against Max Scherzer of the Nationals and Philadelphia righty Aaron Nola.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora is a finalist for AL Manager of the Year, along with Oakland’s Bob Melvin and Kevin Cash of the Rays.
You can hear Matt McCarthy on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s own Hardcore Baseball podcast and on various 98.5 The Sports Hub programs. Follow him on Twitter @MattMcCarthy985.
