MVP, Cy Young Finalists Announced for 2026 Baseball Awards

Major League Baseball Network announced its finalists for the league's major awards on Monday, setting the stage for a crowded voting process that concludes later this month. The Baseball Writers' Association of America will select the winners from a short list of players who posted standout statistics during the 2026 season.

In the American League, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Junior Caminero is a Most Valuable Player finalist. He finished the regular season with a .276 batting average, 42 home runs, and 101 runs batted in. His peers in the voting include Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, who led the major leagues with a .316 average alongside 42 home runs and 106 RBIs. Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. rounds out the AL group with 18 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 45 stolen bases on a .281 average.

The National League MVP ballot features Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who tied for the major league lead with 45 home runs and 107 RBIs while hitting .280. He faces competition from Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Brice Turang, who batted .268 with 21 home runs and 100 RBIs to help secure the World Series title. Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who split time between the outfield and the mound, recorded 30 home runs, 81 RBIs, and a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski is the leading candidate for the National League Cy Young Award. The right-hander posted a 1.80 ERA, a 0.80 WHIP, and 252 strikeouts over a 16-5 record. He is joined by Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale, who went 14-9 with a 2.16 ERA, and Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez, who finished 18-7 with a 2.91 ERA.

In the American League, New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler posted the second-best ERA in the majors at 1.95 and a 14-6 record. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease (11-6, 2.40 ERA) and Cleveland Guardians rookie Parker Messick (12-9, 2.56 ERA) are the other finalists. Messick also appears on the AL Rookie of the Year list, where he compiled a 1.06 WHIP.

The award schedule runs through November 12. The Rookie of the Year winners will be announced on November 9, followed by the Manager of the Year awards on November 10. The Cy Young and Reliever of the Year awards will be revealed on November 11, with the MVP selections announced on November 12.

Pat Murphy of the Brewers seeks a third consecutive Manager of the Year award after leading Milwaukee to 103 wins and the championship. Will Venable of the White Sox is an AL finalist after guiding Chicago to 84 wins and a postseason spot, a marked improvement from the previous three seasons.