ESPN’s Early 2026 MLB Awards Rankings: Ohtani Dominates, Witt Leads AL
Shohei Ohtani leads the National League MVP and Cy Young races, while Bobby Witt Jr. tops the American League standings in ESPN’s latest assessment.
ESPN has released its initial monthly assessment of the 2026 Major League Baseball awards races, conducted following Memorial Day weekend. The report identifies Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers as the primary contender for both the National League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Awards, citing his unique contribution as both a pitcher and designated hitter.
In the American League, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals and Cam Schlittler of the New York Yankees are leading the MVP and Cy Young races, respectively. ESPN’s analysis notes that Witt’s defensive value and baserunning metrics provide a significant edge, while Schlittler has emerged as a dominant force in the Yankees' rotation despite early career questions.
Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers and JJ Wetherholt of the St Louis Cardinals are currently ahead in the American and National League Rookie of the Year competitions. McGonigle’s veteran-like plate approach contrasts with Wetherholt’s all-around production, which has been instrumental in the Cardinals’ early-season performance.
For managerial honours, Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays and Craig Stammen of the San Diego Padres are the early favourites for the American and National League Manager of the Year awards. Cash’s Rays have exceeded expectations, while Stammen’s Padres have demonstrated remarkable resilience in close games, outperforming their run differential metrics.
The rankings underscore the competitive nature of the 2026 season, with analysts highlighting the difficulty of Ohtani’s dual role. While his MVP case appears strong, his Cy Young candidacy faces scrutiny regarding innings pitched and competition from pitchers such as Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies.
The report also tracks significant movers, including Nick Kurtz of the Athletics, who has surged in the AL MVP race, and Davis Martin of the White Sox, who has revitalised his pitching performance. These shifts illustrate the volatility of early-season standings and the potential for dramatic changes as the campaign progresses.
ESPN’s assessment serves as a baseline for the remainder of the season, with further monthly updates expected to refine these positions. The data provides a comprehensive overview of individual and team performances, offering insight into the evolving landscape of MLB accolades.
