Who is the current AL MVP frontrunner?

Shohei Ohtani is the clear frontrunner. ESPN's midseason watch highlights his continued dominance on both the mound and at the plate as the defining factor in the American League race.

Which pitcher is leading the NL Cy Young conversation?

Spencer Strider has emerged as the top candidate for the NL Cy Young. His electric stuff and high strikeout numbers have put him ahead of other contenders in the early going.

Why is Corbin Carroll getting MVP attention?

Corbin Carroll has captured the NL MVP spotlight through a combination of elite speed and consistent power production. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him the favorite in the National League.

When is the next major milestone for these awards?

The All-Star break serves as the unofficial halfway point. Following that, the trade deadline will be the next critical juncture that could alter the landscape of the awards races.

2026 MLB Awards Watch: Ohtani, Carroll Lead

ESPN's midseason report spotlights Ohtani and Carroll as frontrunners for MVP and Cy Young honors.

ByKostadin Stamboliev1 sourcePublished Jul 3, 12:13 PM

2026 MLB Awards Watch: Ohtani, Carroll Lead — Photo by Casey Aguinaldo via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

ESPN released its midseason awards watch, and the hierarchy is clear: Shohei Ohtani and Corbin Carroll are the names to beat as the 2026 MLB season pauses for the All-Star break. The report breaks down the major hardware, placing Ohtani firmly in the driver's seat for the AL MVP thanks to his two-way dominance, while Carroll's speed and power have cemented him as the NL MVP favorite. On the mound, Spencer Strider is making a compelling case for the NL Cy Young with a strikeout rate that is distancing him from the pack.

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