The MLB regular season came to an end on Sunday, and Bill Ladson offers his pre-playoffs season-ending awards. Here’s to the brothas who made a difference on the diamond in 2026.
Outstanding Player, Jordan Walker, Cardinals: A lot of baseball experts thought a change of scenery was a must for this outfielder. He was in and out of the big leagues because of his inconsistency in the batter’s box. But the Cardinals were determined to get his swing right in the hitting lab. Walker rewarded them with career highs in home runs (29), RBIs (102) and runs scored (97).
Most Improved Player, Chandler Simpson, Rays: A year ago, Simpson was sent to the Minor Leagues because of his defense, recording a -9 in defensive runs saved. But ‘26 was a different story. He recorded an eight in that same category. First Base coach Corey Dickerson helped Simpson with a different mindset of playing the outfield. Dickerson made sure Simpson was locked in and attentive when it came to the early work. Dickerson made sure Simpson was ready for every pitch that came his way.
Best Rookie, George Lombard Jr, Yankees: He joined the Major League club in August and made a splash by hitting a home run in his first game. His gold glove-caliber defense has fans in The Bronx ready to anoint this shortstop a hero.
Defensive Player of the Year, Mayan Winn, Cardinals: He learned to play defense at shortstop from two of the best to ever play the position – Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and Cardinals Hall of Famer José Oquendo. Those lessons from those two have paid off for Winn, who led all brothas in defensive runs saved (10) and helped the Cardinals finish ninth in defense.
Outstanding pitcher, Chase Burns, Reds: He is humble off the field, but ferocious on the mound while throwing his four seamer and slider. Burns finished second on the Reds in bWAR (4.7) and led the franchise in wins (15), ERA (2.86) and strikeouts (185).
Comeback Player, Josh Bell, Twins: Since 2021, Bell has played with six big-league teams, but his best season came with the Twins this past season. He drove in a team-high 96 runs, the most he has driven in since 2019 when he was with the Pirates. It will be interesting to see if Bell re-signs with Minnesota for another year.
Breakout Player of the Year, CJ Abrams, Nationals: Before the season started, there was plenty of talk of the Nationals trading Abrams. Good thing they held on to him. He finally became the player they expected him to be after they acquired him for outfielder Juan Soto in 2022. Abrams’ slash line of .261/..336/.497 with 33 homers and 106 RBIs were career highs. His offense should not be affected once he moves from shortstop to second base for a full season in 2027.
The Reset Button Award, Marcus Semien, Mets: He was supposed to provide offense and defense for New York, but he provided neither. Injuries played a role, but keep in mind that he is 36 years old. It will be interesting to see how much he has left in the tank. Semien hasn’t had a productive season since 2023 when he helped the Rangers win the World Series title.
Future Star in 2027, Josue De Paula, Dodgers: During the month of September, De Paula made his Major League debut and showed he is not going to have any problems in the batter’s box. But he must improve his defense. If he made the postseason roster, De Paula would be nothing more than a designated hitter. Unfortunately, that role belongs to Shohei Ohtani.
Change of Scenery Award, Royce Lewis, Twins: The team has been waiting five years for him to put up Kirby Puckett-type numbers at the plate and he hasn’t come close. This past season, Lewis got off to such a slow start that he spent time in the Minor Leagues for a couple of weeks. Lewis grew up a Yankees fan because of Derek Jeter. Maybe a trade to the Bronx Bombers could help Lewis reach his potential. The Yankees need a third baseman for next year.
Best Trade Deadline Acquisition Award, Jo Adell, Guardians: Acquired from the Angels on Aug. 3, Adell provided much needed power from the right side of the plate. He drove in 32 runs in 48 games and is playing in the postseason for the first time in his career.
