First and foremost, we at The Game Haus want to wish all of you all a Happy 4th of July! On this Independence Day, we would like to showcase the best of the first half of the 2018 MLB Season. We would also like to spotlight those likely candidates for some much-coveted hardware at season’s end. These would include each league’s Cy Young, Most Valuable Player, and Rookie of the Year.
As we celebrate Independence Day they year, we would also like to celebrate the brightest stars of America’s past time so far. In this case, theoretically, if there were awards for “first half of the season” performances, these names would reign supreme. These are only some of the greatest hits of baseball’s first half of 2018.
American League’s Greatest Hits: First Half
AL MVP: J.D. Martinez, Outfielder, Boston Red Sox
The American League East is neck and neck between Boston and New York. J.D. Martinez is arguably the Boston Red Sox’ biggest weapon from the batter’s box. The 30-year old outfielder currently leads the AL in both home runs (26) hit and RBI’s recorded (71). His .325 batting average is also impressive and further adds to his commanding batting presence. The AL holds no shortage of worthy candidates out there. But J.D. is the current pace for AL MVP everyone else must keep with.
AL Cy Young Award: Luis Severino, New York Yankees
Speaking of the AL East, the New York Yankees also have a huge weapon in its expansive arsenal, this time from the pitcher’s mound. That weapon is Luis Severino. As of right now, Severino boasts the greatest pitching record in the AL at 13-2. Not only does he hold the most wins from the mound, but also the best ERA of any AL pitcher. It seems that the sky is the limit for the 24-year old ace. Do not be surprised if you see the 2018 AL Cy Young Award in his trophy case.
AL Rookie of the Year: Lou Trivino, Pitcher, Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are finding a high note this time of year, winning seven of their last ten games. They still have ways to go to take the AL West from Seattle and Houston. Luckily, they have weapons like Lou Trivino to help them in the hunt. Trivino leads all AL rookies in ERA and wins from the mound in 2018. Trivino is a more than solid candidate for “Rookie of the Year”. He will need to remain hot to beat a much more heavily favored candidate; second baseman, Gleyber Torres, of the New York Yankees.
National League’s Greatest Hits: First Half
NL MVP: Nolan Arenado, Third-Baseman, Colorado Rockies
Nolan Arenado is arguably the top third-baseman in baseball today. His defensive prowess is second to none. Now his batting chops are putting even more distance between him and everyone else. The five-time Golden Glover has tallied 22 home runs and 63 RBI’s this season, along with a .313 batting average. He has gone yard three times in his last seven games. If no. 28 can stay riding high, the NL MVP will surely be his.
NL Cy Young Award: Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs
Though Max Scherzer would be the first name to come to mind, it is Jon Lester who is taking the conversation by storm. Lester has composed an 11-2 record from the mound, along with a 2.25 ERA. He even boasts the most wins by an NL pitcher this season. The 34-year-old ace will be eyeing his first ever Cy Young Award. Given the fact he’s won each of his last seven starts, it’s not crazy at all to call him a favorite to win, even over Scherzer.
NL Rookie of the Year: Reyes Moronta, Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
Reyes Moronta may not have garnered as much attention as other rookies have this season. His body of work though is nothing to sneeze at by any means. This season, Moronta now holds a 4-1 pitching record and a 1.91 ERA. Moronta will be a valuable asset to the Giants as they look to take back the NL West. As for the Rookie of the Year conversation, no. 54 should land on more people’s radars than he has already. If you’ve never heard of Reyes Moronta, you most certainly will soon.
As We Carry On…
There are so many players deserving recognition. It’s not that they’re bad players, far from it. But the previously mentioned have made it easy to pop up in many conversation involving end of year hardware. No doubt that other names will create waves and make their cases.
In the meantime, happy Independence Day to all! And to all, PLAY BALL!
Featured Image courtesy of dailyherald.com
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