Baseball Connection

Trevor Bauer and Shane Bieber are the 2020 Cy Young Award winners. Bauer has lined himself up for a nice payday this winter after becoming the first Cincinnati Reds player to win the award. In the American League, Shane Bieber was a unanimous selection. Bieber won MLB's pitching triple crown in 2020.

When you lead the Miami Marlins to the playoffs, you deserve Manager of the Year. That's precisely what happened to Don Mattingly. Mattingly won the National League version of the award while leading an underdog to the postseason despite a piecemeal roster and a COVID-19 outbreak. Kevin Cash won in the American League after leading the Rays to a pennant.

The Rookie of the Year awards have been announced. Kyle Lewis was a unanimous selection in the American League, and Devin Williams took home the honor in the National League. Both players were highly touted draft picks who lost some shine as they battled major injuries through their time in the minors. Both players are living up to their lofty ceilings so far as their careers are just taking off.

Kevin Gausman might be the only player strongly considering accepting his qualifying offer this year. With $18.9 million on the table, Gausman might be best taking the deal and then testing the market again next year. Although he had a strong year, teams might want to see him do it over a normal-length season before committing to a multi-year deal with him.

The Cleveland Indians are shopping Francisco Lindor. Lindor has one year left on his deal and Cleveland doesn't seem willing to pay his hefty price tag. The Indians have not been known to get attached to any one player and will do what's necessary to maintain a modest payroll. What team would be a good trade partner? All this on today's episode.

The Red Sox are bringing back Alex Cora. After being dismissed earlier this year for his role in the Astros' sign stealing scandal, Alex Cora served a season-long suspension handed down by the Commissioner. Cora will get back to work with a roster that's already familiar with him. Alex Gordon and Nolan Arenado won Platinum Gloves. The Mets are cleaning house. All this on today's episode.

The Silver Slugger award is given to the best hitter at each position in each league. Who were the offensive juggernauts in 2020? Mike Trout took home his eighth Silver Slugger, as he works his way up the all-time list for outfielders. Even at age 40, Nelson Cruz isn't slowing down. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Marcell Ozuna enters the winter as the top bat on the market. How much will he command? With Ozuna, you're getting a consistent middle-of-the-order bat that should be good through a multi-year deal. Ozuna is a bit suspect defensively, so the future of the DH in the National League will surely come into play here. All this on today's episode.

Who are the finest in the field? The Gold Glove award winners were announced and it includes some familiar faces. Nolan Arenado has now won 8 straight Gold Glove awards to start his career. Can he catch Ichiro's record of 10? Alex Gordon took home his 8th and final as he rides off into retirement. All this on today's episode.

The finalists for each major award have been announced We take a look at who's in consideration for Rookie of the Year, MVP, Cy Young, and Manager of the Year awards in each league.