MLB Season 2023: Season Awards Preview and Predictions

Spring has officially sprung which can mean only one thing: the 2023 MLB Season is not too far away. As you know, we'll be here each and every day through the MLB season with our MLB Best Bets and player props, but in anticipation of the season getting underway on March 30, our MLB expert Tone's Takes is back with his annual MLB player awards predictions, fresh off cashing a +1200 pick last year. Read on for his full analysis below.

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National League MVP

BET: Trea Turner (+1100 with Bet365)

The Philadelphia Phillies made another splash in free agency as they signed shortstop Trea Turner to an 11 year contract to join an already star studded lineup. Turner is one of the best all around players in the majors and now gets to play half his games in the hitter friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park. Turner can do it all, hit for average, power and he can steal bases. I am looking at him to have a career year in Philly. He put on a show during the World Baseball Classic and he should carry that momentum as he joins the defending National League Champion Phillies. 

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American League MVP

BET: Julio Rodriguez (+900 with Bet365)

We all know Shohei Ohtani is the best baseball player in the majors, but at +220, his prop holds zero value. Instead, I'll look at Seattle Mariners center-fielder, Julio Rodriguez. Julio had a fantastic rookie year hitting .284 with 25 Home Runs, 75 RBIs and added 25 stolen bases as he led the Mariners to their first playoff appearance in 20 years. Seattle should be back in the playoffs this year, which bodes well for a MVP prop. Rodriguez is an electric ball player and the sky's the limit for this youngster 

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Home Run Leader

BET: Mike Trout (+1000 with Bet365)

Los Angeles Angels Center-fielder Mike Trout has had an injury riddled past couple of seasons. He only played 36 games in 2021 and 119 in 2022. Despite only playing 119 games last season, TrouT was still able to hit 40 home runs. At 31 years old Trout has not played meaningful games in September and October for the Angels. With Shohei Ohtani set to become a free agent at the end of the season, I think we'll see a player on a mission to reach the postseason. If he stays healthy, this prop holds a great deal of value.

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National League Cy Young

BET: Zac Gallen (+1100 with Bet365)

The Diamondback right hander had a breakout season in 2022 as he went 12-4 with a 2.94 ERA and a .091 while holding opponents to a .186 batting average. Gallen went through a stretch in the summer where he did not give up an earned run in 6 consecutive starts, spanning 34.1 innings pitched. At 27 years old, he's primed to have another great season, this time he'll earn some hardware to go with it.

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American League Cy Young

BET: Framber Valdez (+2000)

Talk about value. With the departure of Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez becomes the ace of the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros. Valdez had a fine 2022 campaign as he went 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Valdez topped that off by going 3-0 in the postseason while sporting an ERA of 1.44 and  WHIP of 0.88. The Lefty mixes his pitches very well and often has hitters guessing. He is primed to take the top spot in the rotation and I like his chances to take the top spot in the American League.