The MLB season’s barreling into its final month, and wow, the playoff chase is getting wild. This week’s **MLB Power Rankings** don’t just show which teams are hot—they spotlight the players who are making it all happen.
We’re talking dominant rookies, MVP hopefuls, defensive wizards. September’s drama could decide some of baseball’s biggest awards.
Brewers Shock the League in September Push
The Milwaukee Brewers (85–54) have surprised just about everyone by grabbing the top spot in the latest rankings. A lot of that comes down to **28-year-old rookie Isaac Collins**, who leads all NL rookies in fWAR.
Collins brings value everywhere—he’s become one of the most impactful first-year players we’ve seen in a while. His rise is a massive part of Milwaukee’s unexpected run.
Isaac Collins: From Rookie to Key Contender
Collins didn’t get much attention heading into the season, but now he’s a real contender for NL Rookie of the Year. He’s helped the Brewers stay steady, and honestly, he might turn into a household name if October goes their way.
Ohtani’s Historic Season and Judge’s Triple Crown Chase
In the American League, the MVP conversation starts—and maybe ends—with **Shohei Ohtani**. His two-way dominance is just ridiculous, and he’s putting up numbers that barely seem real.
Seriously, how many guys in history have been able to do what Ohtani’s doing as both a pitcher and hitter in 2024?
Aaron Judge Still in the Hunt
Yankees slugger **Aaron Judge** isn’t making it easy, though. He’s threatening the AL Triple Crown, which is wild in its own right.
Ohtani’s versatility might give him the edge, but Judge’s power and steady production keep things interesting. Feels like September could decide whether this MVP race is really over or just getting started.
Schwarber’s Power Surge and Sánchez’s Rise
Philadelphia’s **Kyle Schwarber** is mashing his way toward 50 home runs. Even with all that power, he’s still a step behind Ohtani in MVP value.
Meanwhile, teammate **Cristopher Sánchez** has quietly become one of the best starters out there. The Phillies suddenly have a pretty scary duo as October creeps closer.
Skubal’s Grip on the AL Cy Young
Detroit Tigers ace **Tarik Skubal** is making a strong case to repeat as AL Cy Young winner. He leads the league in a bunch of pitching stats, and his dominance has kept Detroit in the mix.
Unless someone else catches fire in the final weeks, Skubal looks like he’s adding more hardware to his shelf.
Defensive Kings of 2024
Defense matters—sometimes more than anyone wants to admit. This year, a few guys stand out:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs) – Leads MLB with 19 Defensive Runs Saved.
- Steven Kwan (Guardians) – Covers ground and barely ever makes a mistake in the outfield.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes (Pirates) – Gold Glove-level defense at third base, no question.
Silver Slugger Races Tighten
The Silver Slugger races are still wide open. Guys like George Springer (Blue Jays), Pete Alonso (Mets), and Junior Caminero (Rays) are leading the pack right now.
Every hit matters at this point. Their bats could tip the playoff balance.
Cal Raleigh and Other Award Dark Horses
Seattle’s Cal Raleigh is suddenly in the MVP mix, thanks to what he’s doing at the plate and behind it. There are a few other names to keep an eye on, too.
Adrian Morejon (Padres) is making noise in the reliever race. Ceddanne Rafaela (Red Sox) keeps showing off his versatility, and Maikel Garcia (Royals) is having a breakout season nobody saw coming.
The Final Stretch: Favorites vs. Wild Cards
Ohtani, Skubal, and Judge look like obvious favorites for their awards. Still, some of the other races feel wide open right now.
September performances will matter a ton, not just for playoff seeding but also for deciding who actually wins baseball’s biggest individual honors.
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If you want, I can put together that **ranked list of the top 10 teams with their award nominees** you mentioned. It could help readers get a quick sense of which clubs really have the most award-worthy talent.
Should I go ahead and add that next?
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Power Rankings: Yankees, Rangers dig in; We hand out early end-of-season awards
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