Forget waiting until October – the buzz around MLB awards season is already electrifying, and surprisingly, a significant chunk of that wattage is coming directly from Cincinnati. The Reds, often considered a rebuilding squad, are suddenly fielding legitimate candidates for the National League's most prestigious individual honors.
It's not just talk. We're talking about performances so compelling, so statistically profound, that overlooking them would be a disservice to the game itself. Let's dive into why these Reds stars are turning heads and how they could potentially rewrite the history books.
Cy Young Contender: Can Chase Burns Burn Brighter Than the NL's Best Pitchers?
In just his second big league season, 23-year-old Chase Burns isn't just pitching well; he's pitching like an ace. With the calendar nearing June, Burns boasts a jaw-dropping 7-1 record and a minuscule 1.96 ERA through 11 starts. That's not a hot streak; that's sustained dominance.
The Stats That Scream 'Elite Pitcher' for Chase Burns
Why is Burns a legitimate contender? His numbers speak volumes:
- ERA fourth in the NL, and tied for fourth in strikeouts (72).
- Tied for second in wins and seventh in innings pitched (64 1/3).
- Perhaps most tellingly, he's tied for third in Major League bWAR for pitchers (2.9) and ranks third in hits-per-nine innings (5.876). These advanced metrics confirm he's not just getting lucky; he's shutting down opposing offenses.
His May performance was particularly scorching: a 4-0 record with a ridiculous 1.19 ERA across five starts. Burns has consistently gone deep into games, allowing two or fewer runs in his last eight starts, and fanning at least eight hitters while pitching five or more innings on five separate occasions this season. This isn't just All-Star caliber; this is Cy Young material in the making.
The Road Ahead for Burns: All-Star Potential and Beyond
The big question now isn't if Burns is an All-Star, but how far he can take this. The primary hurdles will be maintaining this pace and avoiding an early innings limit. Competition is stiff, with names like the Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez making their own compelling cases. But if Burns keeps dealing, expect his name to be front and center in the Cy Young conversation come season's end, aiming to be only the second Red to ever win it.
MVP Dark Horse? Elly De La Cruz's Electrifying Season Demands Attention
When Elly De La Cruz debuted, his talent was undeniable, but consistency was a question mark. Fast forward to now, and the two-time All-Star is having his most complete season yet, making a serious case for National League MVP.
De La Cruz's Offensive Explosion and All-Around Game
What's driving the MVP chatter around De La Cruz?
- Improved Hitting: A major leap in his approach as a right-handed hitter has fueled an overall .279 batting average and an .855 OPS.
- Power & Production: He's racked up 12 home runs and 37 RBIs while playing every single game.
- Leading Shortstops: De La Cruz leads all shortstops in extra-base hits (26), total bases (113), and runs (38).
- NL Rankings: He's among the NL's top ten in hits, total bases, runs, RBIs, and homers. Notably, he's already matched his entire previous season's home run total against left-handed pitching (five).
This isn't just flashy speed and defense anymore. Elly De La Cruz is an offensive force, a consistent threat at the plate, and a catalyst for the Reds. His ability to impact the game in every facet makes him incredibly valuable.
The MVP Mountain: Can Elly Topple the Titans?
Unseating a two-time reigning MVP like Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) is a colossal task. But if De La Cruz can continue his consistent, electrifying play and help propel the Reds into playoff contention, his narrative will be undeniable. The raw talent is blossoming into full-blown MVP-caliber production.
Rookie Royalty: Sal Stewart's Stellar Debut Season
The future arrived fast for Sal Stewart, who launched his first full big league season like a rocket, earning NL Rookie of the Month honors for March/April. Despite a slight cooling off, the 22-year-old remains the undisputed leader among NL rookies in several key offensive categories.
Stewart's March to Rookie of the Month and Beyond
Stewart's rookie campaign is packed with highlights:
- Rookie Leaderboard Domination: He leads all NL rookies in home runs (12), RBIs (36), slugging percentage (.473), OPS (.826), walks (31), and extra-base hits (21).
- Impressive Slash Line: A .256 batting average paired with a .353 on-base percentage shows his ability to get on base consistently.
These aren't just good numbers for a rookie; these are leading-edge numbers that place him firmly in the Rookie of the Year discussion.
Why Stewart's Advanced Approach Sets Him Apart
What sets Stewart apart, even as pitchers adjust to him, is his advanced knowledge of the strike zone and his ability to hit to all fields. This plate discipline minimizes prolonged slumps and allows him to continue producing even when facing challenging pitching. It’s a mature approach rarely seen in players so early in their careers, making his candidacy for the award incredibly strong.
The Reds are not just playing baseball; they are cultivating a future. With Burns baffling hitters, De La Cruz electrifying the league, and Stewart owning the rookie class, Cincinnati is the unlikely epicenter of early MLB awards buzz. It's time to pay attention – because these aren't just good players; they're why this buzz is real.
