It’s going to be a busy month for Shohei Ohtani, and a few other Dodgers
The next few weeks represent award season in Major League Baseball, with all the major hardware for the season allotted before Thanksgiving. For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani will be a busy man, but others like Teoscar Hernández and Mookie Betts could be honored as well, and maybe a few others.
Players Choice Awards were revealed during the World Series, with Ohtani capturing NL Outstanding Player. He was also among the top three finishers for MLB Player of the Year, which went to Aaron Judge.
Ohtani was also named MLB Player of the Year by The Sporting News, which polls major league players, coaches, and executives.
Utility man Kiké Hernández and catcher Will Smith were top-three finishers at their positions in National League Gold Glove voting, but on Sunday those Awards went to Jared Triolo and Patrick Bailey, respectively.
Let’s take a look at the schedule of awards yet to come in November.
BBWAA awards top-3 finishers
Monday, November 11
The top three vote-getters in each league for the four awards bestowed by the Baseball Writers Association of America will be announced, in a two-hour program starting at 3 p.m. PT on MLB Network.
Silver Slugger Awards
Tuesday, November 12
In a one-hour show on MLB Network beginning at 3 p.m. PT, Silver Slugger Award winners will be announced. Five Dodgers were named in the top three to five at their position in the National League — Ohtani, Teoscar Hernández, Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith.
The Dodgers have never had more than two Silver Slugger Award winners in the same season.
All-MLB team awards show
Thursday, November 14
Several awards will be announced during this MLB awards gala in Las Vegas:
- All-MLB first and second teams: Seven Dodgers were nominated — Ohtani, Betts, Teoscar Hernández, Freeman, Jack Flaherty, Smith, and Alex Vesia
- Hank Aaron Award winners: Ohtani will surely win the NL award; Freeman was also one of 10 nominees
- Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter: Ohtani is expected to take this, too, which would be a fourth straight year
- Rivera/Hoffman Reliever of the Year
- Comeback players of the year
Rookies of the Year
Monday, November 18
The National League field is very stacked at the top with Jackson Merrill, Paul Skenes, and Jackson Chourio. But it will be interesting to see if Gavin Stone garnered any second- or third-place votes.
Managers of the Year
Tuesday, November 19
Dave Roberts won Manager of the Year in his first year on the job, in 2016, and has received votes in his previous eight years on the job, including at least one first-place vote in six years. I voted for National League Manager of the Year this season.
Cy Young Awards
Wednesday, November 20
Like all four BBWAA award reveals, this will be shown on MLB Network from 3-4 p.m. PT.
Most Valuable Players
Thursday, November 21
Ohtani is the overwhelming favorite to win NL MVP, after winning twice in the American League (2021, 2023) with the Angels. He’d be the first primary designated hitter to win an MVP award.
Teoscar Hernández could earn a bonus per his contract, depending on where he finishes in the MVP vote. He gets $3 million if he is in the top five, $2 million for finishing sixth through 10th, or $500,000 for anywhere from 11th-15th place.