On Monday, November 11, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) will reveal the finalists for their major annual awards in a special show on MLB Network. This announcement will give baseball fans a clear picture of which players from the Atlanta Braves are in contention for some of the sport’s most prestigious honors. While players have already received awards from the Players Association and certain publications, the BBWAA awards—such as the Cy Young and MVP—are regarded as the most significant in the sport.
Among the awards being announced is the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award, with three finalists from each league. The Braves’ Spencer Schwellenbach, who made his debut on May 29, is a possible finalist for the National League. Over 21 starts, Schwellenbach posted a 3.35 ERA, finishing strong with a 2.54 ERA in his final 15 appearances. His consistent performance positions him as one of the top rookies in the league.
The Manager of the Year Award will also see three finalists from each league. While Braves manager Brian Snitker has previously won the award in 2018, his chances of being a finalist this year appear slim. Despite this, he remains an important figure in the Braves’ success, even if the team’s overall performance isn’t enough to secure him a nomination this season.
In the Cy Young race, three finalists will be named for each league, and Braves pitcher Chris Sale is a clear contender. Sale, who won the National League Triple Crown with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts, has been dominant all season. His impressive performance earned him recognition from his peers and Sporting News, ensuring his place as a finalist for the prestigious pitching award.
Finally, the MVP Award will reveal whether Marcell Ozuna, the Braves’ standout designated hitter, remains a top contender in the National League. Ozuna was once in contention for the runner-up spot behind Shohei Ohtani, competing closely in Triple Crown categories. However, a power drought midway through the season has cast doubt on his chances, and it remains uncertain whether his late-season performance will keep him in the running for one of the top spots.
