We are nearly halfway through the MLB season. We have seen some outstanding performances and some fresh faces jump into the race for the top awards handed out. There is still half a season for other players to jump into the mix and for others to fall out. Regardless, here’s my predictions for the 2026 National League midseason awards.
MVP: Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers
Ohtani had a rough start to the year at the plate and went through one of his worst offensive stretches. That’s long gone. The Dodgers two-way star is now hitting .296 with 17 home runs and has driven in 46 runs. Even more impressive? He is 8-2 on the mound with a 1.58 ERA and a .90 WHIP. What can’t this guy do? He is the easy choice for MVP at this point. Is there anyone even close to putting up a fight against Ohtani? Not really. Until someone can hit like him and pitch like him at the same time, it’s his award.
Cy Young: Jacob Misiorowski – Milwaukee Brewers
Misiorowski has been the best pitcher in baseball, and he is wowing us every time he takes the mound. At just 24-years-old, Misiorowski is first in the league in ERA (1.45), WHIP (.75), and strikeouts (138). Two outings ago against the Phillies, he went nine innings, allowed one hit, and struck out 15 batters. He has been downright sensational.
The next closest competitor is Cristopher Sanchez whose numbers are close to what Misiorowski has put out. In the world of starting pitchers, whoever stays healthier longer could be the one to take this home.
Rookie of the Year: JJ Wetherholt – St. Louis Cardinals
This is going to be one of the closer races during award season, but Wetherholt is the choice at the moment. Wetherholt is one of the top defenders in the national league already and he is a part of a Cardinals youth movement that seems to be ahead of schedule. He was their top ranked prospect and has met the moment. He is hitting .262 with 12 home runs and has driven in 34 runs.
Sal Stewart is right behind for this award. He has also been excellent for the division rival Reds. Stewart has a little more pop with 14 home runs and has driven in over 50 runs.
Manager of the Year: Walt Weiss – Atlanta Braves
I am really impressed with Weiss. The Braves were down and out a season ago, but he has quickly turned them into a powerhouse in the NL East once again and for a majority of the season, they have had the best record in the Bigs. He deserves a ton of credit for righting the ship.