In these annual awards, I want to recognize the Dodgers as the Team of the Year. Not because they have the best record, but because they serve as a benchmark for other teams. For the Yankees, they are a mirror image of success on the West Coast. For the Mets, they represent the organization that owner Steve Cohen aspires to build. And for the Padres, the Dodgers are the team to beat in the NL West. If the Padres can’t outdo the Dodgers this year, when will they ever be able to?
One of the reasons the Dodgers deserve this award is because they have faced numerous challenges this season. They significantly reduced their payroll and dealt with a high number of injuries, especially in their rotation. They also had to deal with the absence of Julio Urias, who was placed on leave by MLB due to allegations of domestic violence. Despite these obstacles, the Dodgers managed to start many games with rookie pitchers and still performed exceptionally well.
In consecutive offseasons, the Dodgers lost two excellent left-handed hitters, Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger. Both players went on to have successful seasons with other teams, which makes the Dodgers’ achievement even more impressive. They won the NL West in both subsequent seasons, despite losing key players. This marks their 10th division title in the past 11 years.
Moving on to the individual awards, I want to highlight Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves as the NL MVP. While Mookie Betts of the Dodgers is a strong contender, Acuna’s exceptional season cannot be ignored. He became the first player in history to achieve 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. He also has the opportunity to make it 40-70 for the season, which would be an incredible feat. Acuna’s contributions as a leadoff hitter, especially in the first inning, have been instrumental in Atlanta’s success.
For the AL MVP, Shohei Ohtani of the Angels takes the title. Despite a rough end to the season due to injuries, Ohtani’s overall performance as a pitcher and hitter was outstanding. At one point, he was considered to be having one of the greatest seasons ever, showcasing his versatility and talent on the field. He is set to become the highest-paid free agent in the upcoming offseason, although he won’t be pitching next season due to his surgeries.
In the NL Cy Young race, Blake Snell of the Padres emerges as the top candidate. Snell has had a strong season, with a 1.26 ERA in his last 22 starts and an impressive .155 batting average against. He has been a dependable and dominant pitcher for the Padres, leading them to success despite their overall disappointing season.
Finally, for the NL Anti-MVP, Kris Bryant of the Rockies takes the title. In the first two seasons of his major contract, Bryant has been plagued by injuries and hasn’t performed up to expectations. Meanwhile, in the AL, Javier Baez of the Tigers earns the Anti-MVP title with the lowest OPS-plus among qualified players. Both players have fallen from their previous elite status and have not lived up to their potential this season.
These awards highlight both the successes and disappointments of the 2023 season. While some teams have exceeded expectations and achieved greatness, others have struggled and failed to meet their goals. The Dodgers stand out as the Team of the Year due to their consistent success and ability to overcome challenges.
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