5 Chicago Cubs Who Have Real Shot At Winning MLB Awards

5 Chicago Cubs Who Have Real Shot At Winning MLB Awards

By Miguel Martinez

July 16, 2015

5 Chicago Cubs Who Have Real Shot At Winning MLB Awards

Chicago Cubs Celebrate Ernie Banks Day Win Throwback Uniform — Now that the All-Star break has come and gone, the second half of the season is about to get underway. We already have a reasonable idea of which players are serious contenders for certain awards at the end of the season, pending any unforeseen drop-offs or untimely injuries. The Chicago Cubs have a handful of players who are playing well enough to be taken serious as contenders for some of these coveted seasonal awards.

Now that the All-Star break has come and gone, the second half of the season is about to get underway. We already have a reasonable idea of which players are serious contenders for certain awards at the end of the season, pending any unforeseen drop-offs or untimely injuries. The Chicago Cubs have a handful of players who are playing well enough to be taken serious as contenders for some of these coveted seasonal awards.

5. Chris Coghlan, Gold Glove Left Fielder

Chris Coghlan Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field

5. Chris Coghlan, Gold Glove Left Fielder

Chris Coghlan Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field — Chris Coghlan is among the few qualifying left fielders in the National League who have yet to make an error, and he's the only Cubs everyday position player who can make that claim as well. All Coghlan has to do is be perfect the rest of the way and hope that the other left fielders mess up somewhere down the stretch. Jon Lester gets an honorable mention for tossing his entire glove to first base.

Chris Coghlan is among the few qualifying left fielders in the National League who have yet to make an error, and he's the only Cubs everyday position player who can make that claim as well. All Coghlan has to do is be perfect the rest of the way and hope that the other left fielders mess up somewhere down the stretch. Jon Lester gets an honorable mention for tossing his entire glove to first base.

4. Joe Maddon, Manager of the Year

Joe Maddon Chicago Cubs Manager

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4. Joe Maddon, Manager of the Year

Joe Maddon Chicago Cubs Manager — He may not be a player, but Joe Maddon has been doing a superb job in his first year in Chicago. Manager of the Year is in his sights. While Mike Matheny might get a bit more recognition for the Cardinals being as good as they are despite injuries, Maddon has helped bring the Cubs back to relevancy and is chasing the first playoff berth since 2008. It might be a toss-up, but Maddon has favorable odds at winning the award.

He may not be a player, but Joe Maddon has been doing a superb job in his first year in Chicago. Manager of the Year is in his sights. While Mike Matheny might get a bit more recognition for the Cardinals being as good as they are despite injuries, Maddon has helped bring the Cubs back to relevancy and is chasing the first playoff berth since 2008. It might be a toss-up, but Maddon has favorable odds at winning the award.

3. Jake Arrieta, NL Cy Young

Jake Arrieta Throwback Uniform Chicago Cubs

3. Jake Arrieta, NL Cy Young

Jake Arrieta Throwback Uniform Chicago Cubs — Poor Jake Arrieta. He didn't get to be an All-Star this year because there are just too many great pitchers. He likely won't win Cy Young for that very reason but his numbers are amazing. He's been one of the best pitchers in the NL over his last 30 games. If he continues being as good as he has been, he might break into the top three candidate conversation by season's end. If any of the top pitchers struggle, it will only increase his chances.

Poor Jake Arrieta. He didn't get to be an All-Star this year because there are just too many great pitchers. He likely won't win Cy Young for that very reason but his numbers are amazing. He's been one of the best pitchers in the NL over his last 30 games. If he continues being as good as he has been, he might break into the top three candidate conversation by season's end. If any of the top pitchers struggle, it will only increase his chances.

2. Anthony Rizzo, NL MVP

Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs

2. Anthony Rizzo, NL MVP

Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs — Similar to Jake Arrieta, there is a crowded race for MVP this year. Zach Greinke and Max Scherzer are also included in the mix. It's hard to imagine Rizzo winning the MVP award without a little help from the injury bug or hitting slumps. However, Rizzo's numbers are good enough to warrant some votes. Bryce Harper and Paul Goldschmidt are probably more likely winners, but Rizzo doesn't trail far behind. This will be a fun race to watch.

Similar to Jake Arrieta, there is a crowded race for MVP this year. Zach Greinke and Max Scherzer are also included in the mix. It's hard to imagine Rizzo winning the MVP award without a little help from the injury bug or hitting slumps. However, Rizzo's numbers are good enough to warrant some votes. Bryce Harper and Paul Goldschmidt are probably more likely winners, but Rizzo doesn't trail far behind. This will be a fun race to watch.

1. Kris Bryant, NL Rookie of the Year

Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs All Star

1. Kris Bryant, NL Rookie of the Year

Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs All Star — This one might be hard to read for Cubs fans. Kris Bryant is not the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year. Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Joc Pederson is making a case for best rookie. Pederson has shown more power than Bryant, believe it or not, so this award is currently too close to call. Luckily, there's roughly half a season left to really see which player is more deserving. This might be the most intense Rookie of the Year race ever.

This one might be hard to read for Cubs fans. Kris Bryant is not the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year. Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Joc Pederson is making a case for best rookie. Pederson has shown more power than Bryant, believe it or not, so this award is currently too close to call. Luckily, there's roughly half a season left to really see which player is more deserving. This might be the most intense Rookie of the Year race ever.

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