Predicting the MLB award winners heading into the 2022 season

Harper has already won two MVP Awards, including last year, and has the lineup around him to see his numbers grow even more after the Phils signed Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber. He could put himself among the game's elite of all time by winning his third award.

If Ohtani is healthy, he should be considered the overwhelming favorite to win the AL MVP again as a history two-way player. If only the Angels could win more games.

Burnes won his first Cy Young Award last season, and the metrics suggest he actually underperformed with a league-best 2.43 ERA. His elite stuff and control made him absolutely unhittable, and Burnes will lead a tremendous Brewers starting rotation once again in 2022.

Cole is a household name with a giant contract and four All-Star appearances, but he's yet to win a Cy Young Award. He has come very close, finishing top five in the voting in four consecutive seasons, including second last year. This could finally be Cole's year.

A relatively unknown prospect, Beer has mashed in the majors but hasn't seen an opportunity due to his poor defense. That finally changes now that the NL has added the DH, as Beer could add big power to the Diamondbacks lineup.

The hype is real. Witt is known as arguably the top prospect in the game, and he's doing everything he can to break camp with the Royals. Witt could be a 30/30 man in his rookie season.

The Padres had a terribly disappointing 2021 season, finishing below .500, but have turned to a proven manager in Melvin. Melvin and the new Padres coaching staff will get the credit if the Padres return to the playoffs, though they have plenty of talent, especially on the pitching staff.

Hinch's squad already overachieved last season with 77 wins. They added significant talent in the offseason, including Javier Baez and Eduardo Rodriguez, and have several top prospects on the cusp of the majors. The influx of talent could provide a boost for Hinch's prospects, especially in a mediocre AL Central division.

Dombrowski is known for building championship teams, and the Phils could be his next feat. He was aggressive in the offseason, rebuilding the bullpen and signing big power to a team that already had its fair share. A rebound season from Aaron Nola could also go a long way in sending Philly back to the playoffs.

Clevinger missed all of 2021 due to Tommy John surgery, but he's had time to fully recover. He's not receiving much hype behind Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, and Joe Musgrove in the Padres rotation, but showed during his days in Cleveland that he has ace ability.

Trout missed most of last season due to a nagging calf injury, so he's the obvious candidate to win AL Comeback Player of the Year. The hard part, of course, will be staying on the field, as Trout last played more than 140 games in 2016.

Hader had already won three reliever awards in his five-year career and continues to anchor the Brewers pen. He's coming off a career year and has the support of an outstanding pitching staff around him.

Manager Kevin Cash has been masterful at using his bullpen, and Kittredge is arguably his best weapon. He has a sub-3.00 ERA in back-to-back seasons and could get more opportunities to close this year.

Arenado has a remarkable five Platinum Gloves in his career and doesn't seem to be slowing down defensively. A groundball-heavy pitching staff in St. Louis should keep him busy.

Buxton is a former Platinum Glove winner, but his biggest issue has been staying healthy with only one 100-game season in the majors. With incredible range, another healthy season should certainly put him in the running.

The DH award will be tougher with the NL adding the spot, but the award is seemingly Ohtani's to lose. He showed off elite hitting last season and is just entering his prime.

Freeman won the World Series with Atlanta last year and is primed to have more success on the elite Dodgers roster this year. The first baseman has a career .916 OPS in the postseason.

Springer saw his fair share of playoff experience in his career with Houston, playing 63 games over five seasons. He could lead a young and talented Jays roster in the playoffs.

Guerrero likely would have won the MVP last year in any normal year without Shohei Ohtani dominating as a two-way player, but he's still successfully following in his father's footsteps as an elite hitter. The reigning All-Star MVP still has the ability to come up big on the big stage.