The division races offered little suspense this season. Most of the winners are repeat champions, and the Houston Astros, who missed the playoffs last fall, ran away with the American League West.

The awards chase has held more intrigue, though, because strong candidates abound. In close races, the voting members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America invariably become part of the story, which is why The New York Times does not allow its writers to vote. But we still have opinions on the awards — which are announced in November — and here they are.

American League Most Valuable Player

AARON JUDGE, YANKEES

They are such opposites that even their initials are reversed. Aaron Judge is a 6-foot-7, power-hitting right fielder from California. Jose Altuve is a 5-foot-6, contact-hitting second baseman from Venezuela. Judge plays for the Yankees, who have 27 World Series titles. Altuve plays for the Astros, who have none. Judge endured a prolonged slump in the second half. Altuve was a model of consistency.

Judge and Altuve have little in common besides their fashion sense — both show a lot of sock — and this: They will occupy the top two spots on most voters’ M.V.P. ballots. The question is who should be first.