Predicting 2022 Regular Season Awards for the Braves

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The Braves are likely to bring home some hardware this season, especially with two of the best rookies in baseball contributing to a 101-win season. Awards are for the regular season, so they’re all but wrapped up. Vegas has some odds that favor the Braves, but where might some other guys who don’t win finish? For NL Rookie of the Year, Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II are neck-and-neck:

NL Rookie of the Year

I think with Strider’s late injury, Harris is probably going to win it. Both guys have been equally impressive, and I couldn’t be mad about either winning the award. Here’s how they stack up:

Spencer Strider (2022): 11-5, 2.67 ERA, 0.99 WHIP 131.2 IP, 202 K

Michael Harris II (2022): .297/.339/.514/.853, 135 OPS+, 27 2B, 3 3B, 19 HR, 20 SB

We aren’t done with either of these guys.

Prediction: Michael Harris II wins, Spencer Strider finishes in 2nd

 

NL Cy Young

This is Sandy Alcantara‘s award to lose, but Max Fried has been fantastic this season.

Sandy Alcantara (2022): 14-9, 2.28 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 228.2 IP, 207 K (6 Complete Games)

Max Fried (2022): 14-7. 2.48 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 185.1 IP, 170 K

Alcantara’s complete game dominance really separates him. You also can’t forget about 20-game winner Kyle Wright or the aforementioned Spencer Strider. Alcantara should win in a landslide, but I expect Fried and Wright to get some votes.

Prediction: Max Fried finishes 3rd, Kyle Wright finishes 6th, Spencer Strider finishes 9th

 

NL MVP

Austin Riley had some steam when it came to the NL MVP, but he fell off late in the season, so I doubt he brings home the award. Paul Goldschmidt probably wins, but Austin Riley still had a great season — leading the league in extra base hits.

Austin Riley (2022): .273/.349/.528/.878, 142 OPS+, 39 2B, 38 HR, 93 RBI

Riley just missed out on a 40/40 season, but it was a good enough to land him in the top five.

Prediction: Austin Riley finishes 5th.

 

NL Gold Gloves

The Braves didn’t get immaculate defense out of a lot of spots, and unfortunately, Ozzie Albies‘ injury will keep him from capturing his first Gold Glove. Dansby Swanson is 3rd in the NL in assists with eight errors to his name. He has the best shot of the Braves infield. Ronald Acuña probably hasn’t played enough games to warrant consideration, and we won’t talk about Atlanta’s defense in left field. I think Michael Harris made enough wow plays to win a Gold Glove, or at least I hope.

Prediction: Dansby Swanson and Michael Harris II both win Gold Gloves

 

NL Silver Sluggers

It’s no secret the bats carried the Braves this season. Ronald Acuña Jr. had a “down” year, but he still posted a .764 OPS. The Braves paced the NL with four winners last season, but they may not come away with any this season. Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley are candidates, but Trea Turner, Francisco Lindor, Nolan Arenado, and Manny Machado have been ridiculous this season. Dansby and Lindor are neck-and-neck for second, but really, who cares at that point. I think both guys finish third.

Prediction: Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley finish 3rd for Silver Slugger Awards. Matt Olson finishes 5th.

 

Reliever of the Year

Kenley Jansen had his ups and downs with the Braves, but he still finished with an NL leading 41 saves — just one behind Emmanuel Clase. I think this award will go to Clase or Edwin Diaz, you could call either of them the most dominant closer in baseball this season.

Prediction: Kenley Jansen finishes 3rd.

 

NL Manager of the Year

I think Brian Snitker should win this, especially considering how hot the Braves got in June to catch the Mets and capture the NL East crown. However, this is similar to coach of the year in other sports. They usually reserve it for best newcomer or someone who does something incredible. Buck Showalter and Dave Roberts probably finish 1-2 in that order for that reason.

Prediction: Brian Snitker finishes 3rd.

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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire

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