The Baseball Writers’ Association of America released its final list of award finalists on Monday night, and the Milwaukee Brewers are right in the thick of the conversation. This is not just a list of names; it is a reflection of the hard work put in during the regular season. Per ESPN, ace Jacob Misiorowski stands as a heavy favorite to take home the National League Cy Young Award. He is one of the top three vote-getters, proving that consistency wins out over hype.
What makes this moment special is that the voting happened before a single playoff pitch was thrown. CBS Sports reports that ballots had to be submitted prior to the playoffs’ opening pitch, indicating these accolades celebrate the regular season rather than postseason excitement. This distinction matters because it rewards the players who carried their teams all year long, not just the ones who got hot in October. Although the finalists are finalized, the winners will be announced next week.
A New Category for Relief Pitchers
Per ESPN, this new category now exists in both leagues for the first time, recognizing the unsung heroes who protect leads late in games. Milwaukee’s Trevor Megill joins Philadelphia’s Jhoan Duran and San Diego’s Mason Miller as the top three candidates. This change shows that the game is evolving to value the specific skills of the bullpen.
Pat Murphy, the Milwaukee skipper, is also in the running for NL Manager of the Year. According to ESPN, he could become the first manager to be a finalist for this award three years in a row. His challengers include Don Mattingly from Philadelphia and Walt Weiss from Atlanta. If Murphy wins, it will cement his legacy as the best leader in the National League for three straight seasons. That kind of steady leadership is exactly what families and communities need to see in their own leaders.
Young Arms and Draft Picks
MLB Trade Rumors states that left-hander Parker Messick placed in the top three for AL Cy Young, guaranteeing Cleveland a bonus pick following the first round of the 2027 draft. Messick earned this spot with a 2.56 ERA across 32 starts, a number that stands out even against veterans. He also finished in the top three for AL Rookie of the Year, though that specific win no longer impacts the draft pick.
The American League MVP race features Houston’s Yordan Alvarez as the favorite, but Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero and Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. are strong contenders. CBS Sports notes that Alvarez topped the majors in both walks and intentional walks while hitting 42 home runs. Caminero played all 162 games and hit 42 homers at just 22 years old. These numbers show that youth and experience are battling for the top spot. The final results will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 12, closing out a season defined by these incredible performances.
