The 2017 MLB season is coming to a close, and the postseason races are heating up all across the league. Many new and breakout stars are closing up their seasons, and all are hoping for some post-season awards.

So far this year, the MLB has seen plenty of new faces and new all-stars make their appearances in the league. Players such as Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, Paul DeJong and Jose Berrios have all come up and shined in their rookie year in the league, Judge and Bellinger especially, both having over 36 home runs. Just as much as rookies, there have been breakout players this season that have been in the league a while. Yonder Alonso, Logan Morrison, Eric Thames and Robbie Ray have all jumpstarted their careers, all after being in the league for at least three years, three of the four becoming first time all stars this season.

“The rookie of the year conversation is pretty boring this season, but Cy Young awards will be really interesting to see,” sophomore Brandon Yates said.

Naturally, with the seasons end coming, off-season awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young and more. Favorites for all of these awards start to play out this time of the season. Many insiders around the league feel as if Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger have rookie of the year locked up for their respective leagues, as well as Giancarlo Stanton, who has 54 home runs as of September 12, and Jose Altuve, whose batting .351 with 23 home runs, have their MVPs locked up. As for Cy Young, there is much speculation around the league. Lots of insiders believe that the favorite for the AL Cy Young is Chris Sale, but the NL is much tougher to decide. Clayton Kershaw, Zack Davies, Gio Gonzalez and Zack Greinke all have had impressive seasons, and could be looked at for Cy Young come seasons end.

“I think the Cardinals are gonna blow it, they lose too much,” sophomore Brennan Hemby said.

Post-season pictures are also starting to play out. The Washington Nationals have already clinched their postseason berth. The Indians, who have won an impressive 19 straight as of September 12, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Astros are well on their way to lock in a spot. However, the NL Central, AL East, AL Wild Card, and the final NL Wild Card spots are all but decided. The Cardinals, Cubs and Brewers are all within 2 games of the NL Central, and all three teams would be considered NL Wild Card possibilities with the Rockies, who hold the spot now. The AL Wild Card is a eight man race between the Twins, Angels, Yankees, Royals, Rays, Mariners, Orioles and Rangers. Meanwhile the AL East being a race between the Red Sox and Yankees.

“I think some players that had the best season in the MLB would be Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Paul Dejong, and of course Cody Bellinger,” freshman Nick Wallgren said.

As another MLB season winds down, it doesn’t mean the action is going to stop. Postseason races are always something to pay attention to, as well as what players are going to be honored for their fantastic seasons.