With the 2020 MLB season expected to begin within the next two months, (hopefully), here are my predictions for the MLB’s 2020 award winners.

AL MVP: Mike Trout

Here’s a no-brainer. Trout has dominated the AL MVP race throughout his career, finishing within the top-two of voting every season since 2012, (outside of 2017 where he missed 6-8 weeks with a thumb injury). With Mookie Betts now out of the American League, Trout has a clear path to winning his fourth MVP title, and build his claim as the best player in the MLB.

Honorable Mentions: Gerrit Cole, Alex Bregman, Francisco Lindor

NL MVP: Ronald Acuna Jr.



Acuna dominated last season, hitting 41 home runs with 37 stolen bases en route to cementing his place amongst the league’s elite players. Acuna’s skill with both his bat and his legs give him the potential to put up other-worldly statistics each year. Expect the 22-year-old to grab his first MVP award this season.

Honorable Mentions: Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts

AL CY Young: Gerrit Cole



After signing a $324 million contract this offseason, all eyes will be on Cole to excel for the championship-hopeful Yankees. Cole will be under immense pressure to perform for the injury-plagued Yankees, and luckily for them, he has all the tools to shine following a masterful 2.50 ERA/326 K season.

Honorable Mentions: Justin Verlander, Chris Sale, Mike Clevinger

NL CY Young: Walker Buehler



Buehler had a phenomenal finishing stretch to his season last year, posting a 1.58 ERA and allowing just a .153 average to opposing batters after August 1st. He finds a way to make his incredible arsenal of pitches look effortless, and having the best lineup in baseball supporting him will certainly take some pressure off of the 25-year-old star. Jacob deGrom is the favorite here, but I expect Buehler to take the MLB by storm.

Honorable Mentions: Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Jack Flaherty

AL Rookie of the Year: Luis Robert



The #3 prospect in all of baseball joins one of the league’s best lineups that will provide him with all the opportunities to shine. After quickly making his way through the minors in 2019, Robert enters a stacked unit featuring the likes of Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, Jose Abreu, Edwin Encarnacion, Yasmani Grandal and Tim Anderson. Look for Robert to hit around 25 home runs and steal 20 bases next season, posting a 20-20 in 2020.

Honorable Mentions: Michael Kopech, Jesus Luzardo, Jo Adell

NL Rookie of the Year: Gavin Lux



I expect big things from Gavin Lux this season. The 22-year-old sports an excellent bat, fitting right in with the league’s most productive offense. Last season in the minors, Lux shined with a .347 batting average, adding 26 home runs and 10 stolen bases. He now joins Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts in the Dodgers quest for the title. I’m saying it now; I have NO doubt that he will win this award.

Honorable Mentions: Carter Kieboom, Dustin May, MacKenzie Gore

Follow Michael Pirtle on Twitter: @mikeypirtle