The Team at Slasher Sports have brought you another year of Award Winners for this season in Major League Baseball. Plenty of changes in the MLB this year, and with that brings new surprises to each category. Have a look at our predictions and let us know if you agree!

Rookie of The Year

American League

Billy Graves – Adley Rutschman

I go into this pick knowing Adley is not starting the season in Baltimore, so much like with any rookie, I’m gambling. Once he is healthy and in Baltimore, and I do believe he will be added to the 40-man roster and ramped up accordingly, I feel Adley will showcase to the league why he is one of the most highly touted prospects in the game.

Christian Rauh – Riley Greene

To be fair, I made this pick before the dreadful injury happened, so I may already have to concede this one to my runner-up Adley. However, Riley still has a huge ceiling and will make an immediate impact to this Tigers team once he returns. The ROY Award may be difficult to compete for will the amount of time he is missing, but I wouldn’t rule it impossible.

National League

Billy Graves – Oneil Cruz

As much as it pains me to give any reverence, due or undue, to a Brewers division rival, I must admit that Oneil Cruz is a monster waiting to be unleashed. I can’t promise that he will be called up. I can promise that if he is, some pitchers are in trouble. Cruz is a 6’7 shortstop with plus power potential and currently sits in Triple A Indianapolis. Pittsburgh must find a way to get him on the big league roster, and when they do, beware of dog.

Christian Rauh – Keibert Ruiz

Just as Billy states about Adley above Ruiz is benefit the same way in the nation’s capital. With the departure of Yan Gomes this offseason, this job is Ruiz’s and no one else. AS long as he stays healthy he will easily collect over 100 games behind the plate.

Manager of The Year

American League

Billy Graves – Chris Woodward

As stated in my division winners predictions, I feel the Texas Rangers have what it takes to shock the league and win the AL West. Given the past few seasons, and the slow rebuild, how could anyone deny Chris Woodward his due accolades? Going from worst to first is always a sure route to manager of the year.

Christian Rauh – A.J. Hinch

The Tigers have had one HELL of an offseason. With the big additions such as Javier Baez and Austin Meadows this team will be much better on both sides of the ball. The amazing prospects such as Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene give this team a strong chance for this team to compete into a playoff contending spot this October. Regardless of the outcome, this Detroit team will look WAY different then when they lost 110 games in 2019.

National League

Billy Graves – Buck Showalter

MLB loves a good narrative and it feels like the Mets have enthralled the storytellers. With a front office willing to spend ridiculous money, the Mets are primed to do a little damage in 2022. Take an unlikely division title, a returning and revered manager, and a team finally getting over the hump and you must consider Buck Showalter a favorite to win the prize.

Christian Rauh – Bob Melvin

The Padres are a very talented team, but if last year showed anything with their dugout mishaps, they need a strong skipper. Bob Melvin is that man. It is already apparent just from hearing how Melvin is handling the Tatis injury news to the media that this ball club is in good hands. It will get the very best out of this squad.

Reliever of The Year

American League

Billy Graves – Raisel Iglesias

Raisel Iglesias has improved his ERA in each of the last 2 seasons. Given that, in my opinion, the usual frontrunners in the West have gotten slightly worse over the past offseason, the competition should be kinder to Iglesias. Enough to put up career numbers and earn himself Reliever of the Year status.

Christian Rauh – Liam Hendriks

Its super difficult to not pick Hendriks as he has done nothing to make me want to give it to anyone else. He is one of the best pitchers in the league and on a team that will give him a ton of opportunities to get saves.

National League

Billy Graves – Devin Williams

I like the way Christian thinks, but I’m going in a different direction than my partner down below. I do believe the Reliever of the Year will be in Milwaukee, but he will be in the form of the FUTURE closer, Devin Williams. Williams has worked on a new pitch, a cutter, in the off-season. He will compete with a chip on his shoulder due to his self inflicted injury prior to the Divisional Round playoff series vs. ATL. This one has Devin Williams written all over it.

Christian Rauh – Josh Hader

Back to Back? Looks like it in my book. Hader is either playing for a contender the whole year for the Brewers, or playing for a contender elsewhere in some sort of trade come the deadline. Regardless, this dude is going to play lights out.

Cy Young

American League

Billy Graves – Gerritt Cole

There are few things scarier than a pissed off Gerrit Cole, even if he has to keep a clean shaven face. Cole will be the one bright spot in this less than stellar rotation and he will return to his elite form.

Christian Rauh – Gerrit Cole

After the mishap in the playoffs last season against his rival Red Sox, I believe that Cole comes back with a vengeance this year. An ace with a chip on his shoulder is only good signs to come for the Bronx Bombers.

National League

Billy Graves – Jake DeGrom

While this prediction was made prior the the injury news, I do feel it’s not dead in the water. The injury happened early enough in the season that with a proper rehab and a strong start, DeGrom can return to form and claim what should be named after him – The Cy Young Award.

Christian Rauh – Corbin Burnes

Corbin Burnes is the best pitcher in baseball. Although I would like to see him get a few more innings, he is surrounded by good arm talent. Even if Burnes regresses from last season, I believe he is dominant enough to win another Cy Young.

Most Valuable Player

American League

Billy Graves – Shohei Ohtani

As long as Shohei Ohtani is the posterboy for two-way players, there’s no reason this award isn’t his. You like other hitters? Fine, they don’t pitch, though. You like other pitchers? Well, they can’t bat. And none do it like Shohei. Health is key, of course.

Christian Rauh – Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vlad Jr. had a remarkable season last year that would have won him MVP in almost any other season. With his amazing transformation in the offseason and ta recharged Blue Jays squad, he easily could better his season totals from the year prior.

National League

Billy Graves – Ronald Acuna Jr.

Who has more to prove than a superstar whose team won a World Series without him? Ronald Acuña Jr. was on an MVP pace before he was sidelined for the season. It is no longer debatable who the face of Hotlanta is and he’s coming back to reclaim his throne.

Christian Rauh – Juan Soto

The Nationals will not be a team to comp0ete for the NL East this year, but Soto will be competing for a contract extension. With that being said, I believe Soto will go crazy this summer and solidify himself early as the NL Front Runner.

How’d We Do?

Do you agree with our picks for division winners for the 2022 MLB season? Disagree? Be sure to let us know on SlasherSports.com as well as on our Twitter account or Facebook Page. Enjoy the season and be sure to look for plenty more content from the Team at Slasher Sports.