Bold Predictions: Yu Darvish wins AL Cy Young

Other Fake Teams writers have drawn out their bold predictions. I am going to go the route of picking some award winners for the upcoming season.

2017 AL Cy Young - Yu Darvish, TEX

Two years removed from Tommy John surgery and in a contract year, Darvish is ready to cash in on another contract. One of the final things to come back after TJ is control. Darvish had his control already in 2016. He is primed for a big year.

2017 NL Batting Champ - Joe Panik, SF

Now this is bold. Panik hit .239 last season. he may have to hit .339 this season to win the batting title. I think he can do it. Panik had a 2016 BB:K ratio of 50:47 proving that he was just unlucky on balls in play. (BABIP of .245) Panik hit .312 in 2015 and I see no reason why he can’t get back up to that range again.

2017 HR Champ - Bryce Harper, WAS

Sure he leads the league in Spring homeruns, but many seem down on him. He had 24 long balls last season, but Harper hit 42 in 2015 which would have been top 5 in 2016. He is more than capable of being that superstar again. Added boldness: He will hit 49.

2017 SB Leader - Travis Jankowski, SD

It would be easy to say Billy Hamilton will lead the league in steals. That isn’t very bold. Hamilton has a real issue getting on base over the course of a full season. Jankowski will push for 60 steals in 2017 and beat out Hamilton in the category.

2017 AL MVP - Francisco Lindor, CLE

If I was a betting man I would put my money on Trout to win this award as most people would. Where is the fun in that? Let’s give it to the heart and soul of a solid Indians team that according to a 6 year old is on the brink of a large extension. My bold prediction says Lindor earns that extension this year with a 5 category fantasy season and a division championship.

2017 AL Rookie of the Year - Reynaldo Lopez, CWS

Like Trout for MVP, many would assume that Andrew Benintendi wins this award in 2017. Well this is bold, so I think new White Sox prospect Reynaldo Lopez will win the award with numbers that eerily reflect Michael Fulmer’s line for the Tigers in 2016.

2017 NL Rookie of the Year - Manuel Margot, SD

Margot’s cup of coffee in 2016 wasn’t anything that can be talked about today. At 21 years old he got a taste though of playing with the major league team. Outside of power, Margot can do everything. He is a great defensive player and has all of the tools to hit for .300 and steal a ton of bases. He is a definite dark horse to win the award.

2017 AL Manager of the Year - Scott Servais, SEA

Congrats Mariners fans! My bold prediction involves you too. I think Seattle makes the playoffs with 90 wins and I think they lead the AL in total runs scored. This trifecta (playoffs, 90 wins, most runs) sets up Scott Servais as manager of the year for your wildcard Seattle Mariners!