2013 MLB Predictions: All 30 Teams' Player with the Best Shot at a Major Award

Predictions are a funny thing in Major League Baseball, especially when it comes to the major awards.

As the season goes on, it becomes a little easier. Preseason, however, is a different story.

Last week, a panel of Bleacher Report experts predicted who they thought would win each award.

While it's impossible to accurately predict the award winners, past history and organizational situations play a role in predictions.

Inevitably, every team has at least one player who is thought to have early consideration for an award.

Here's a look at one player from each team with the best shot to win a major award.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Adam Eaton

Award: NL Rookie of the Year

Adam Eaton may be out 6-8 weeks with a left elbow sprain, but he'll be in the conversation for the NL Rookie of the Year once he gets back.

Known for his ability to get on base and to create havoc on the basepaths, Eaton will lead the Arizona Diamondbacks at the top of the order as small-ball will be the way to go this year.

One thing that could hurt Eaton is the fact that other contenders like Julio Teheran and Jedd Gyorko will have almost two months more worth of stats in their pocket.

Atlanta Braves: Julio Teheran

Award: NL Rookie of the Year

After seeing what Teheran did in spring training for the Atlanta Braves, he immediately moves into the conversation for top rookie honors.

In 26 innings, Teheran had a 1.04 ERA, 35 strikeouts and a 0.62 WHIP. Even more amazing was the fact that he allowed six hits the entire spring.

Teheran was once the top prospect in baseball, but fell off after a terrible 2011.

This year he's back with a vengeance, and he's looking to be the top rookie in the NL.

Baltimore Orioles: Brian Roberts

Award: AL Comeback Player of the Year

Injuries have almost been commonplace for Brian Roberts.

Having only played 115 games in the last three seasons combined, the Baltimore Orioles second baseman seems to finally be healthy this year.

He batted .310 during the spring and was doing everything at a normal pace at the plate and in the field.

If he can get back to numbers from 2009 and earlier, Roberts will be in contention for the award.

Boston Red Sox: John Farrell

Award: AL Manager of the Year

The Boston Red Sox were a rag-tag team last year that seemed to lose interest in playing for manager Bobby Valentine.

John Farrell is now the skipper, and if the Red Sox can compete for the division crown, he'll be in line to be the AL Manager of the Year.

While Boston still does have an open wallet to bring in free agents, it hasn't been the same as it has in years past.

Gone are Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford, while guys like Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino and Ryan Dempster are now in town.

Farrell was coveted by the Red Sox after they let Valentine go, and now he'll get a chance to prove himself in Beantown.

Chicago Cubs: Dave Sveum

Award: NL Manager of the Year

When looking at the Chicago Cubs, there's not much to get excited about.

There are no players who are considered MVP-worthy, nor are there pitchers who are in the discussion for the Cy Young.

So that leaves Dave Sveum for NL Manager of the Year.

If the Cubs can finish at or above .500, Sveum will get some serious consideration for the award.

Chicago White Sox: Chris Sale

Award: AL Cy Young

Chris Sale has really come on in the last few years for the Chicago White Sox.

He's a power pitcher who knows how to strike guys out.

Last year, he won 17 games with a 3.05 ERA and 192 strikeouts. If he can duplicate those numbers, he'll be back in the hunt to win the top pitching award.

Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto

Award: NL Most Valuable Player

Joey Votto is a perennial contender for the NL MVP award with the Cincinnati Reds.

Last year he only played in 111 games, but still led the league in walks with 94.

Although his power numbers were low (14 HR, 56 RBI) in 2012, Votto will no doubt be back around 30 home runs and 100 RBI.

His spring numbers were good, batting .346 with four home runs and 14 RBI.

Cleveland Indians: Trevor Bauer

Award: AL Rookie of the Year

The Diamondbacks thought they had a front-of-the-rotation starter in Trevor Bauer when he was drafted in 2011.

After a few issues, Bauer was traded to the Cleveland Indians this past offseason.

He was 12-2 in the minors last year with a 2.42 ERA and 157 strikeouts before getting a call to the majors last year.

Although Bauer is starting the season in Triple-A, it will be no time before he's in the big leagues. Once he is, he'll make an immediate impact and be in the running for the award.

Colorado Rockies: Troy Tulowitzki

Award: NL Comeback Player of the Year

Normally, most would think Troy Tulowitzki would be put in for the NL MVP.

However, after an injury to his groin, Tulowitzki was limited to 47 games in 2012.

This year, Tulowitzki is healthy and looking to get back to his normal production of 30 home runs and 100 RBI.

If he does that, it's hard to dispute him being named the NL Comeback Player of the Year.

Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera

Award: AL Most Valuable Player

The Detroit Tigers have a 1A and 1B situation with this list.

There's Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera.

Verlander is considered one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, as his newly-signed seven-year, $180-million deal shows.

However, after winning the Triple Crown and the MVP last year, Cabrera has the best chance to win the award.

He's batted over .300 in seven of the last eight years and hasn't had less than 100 RBI since his rookie season.

Cabrera is consistently one of the best hitters in baseball, and 2013 will be no different.

Houston Astros: Bo Porter

Award: AL Manager of the Year

When looking at the Houston Astros, one wonders if they'll actually be able to put a decent team on the field.

However, weirder things have happened in sports.

If the Astros can put together a decent season, Bo Porter will deserve some consideration for the AL Manager of the Year.

Plus, there isn't anyone else on the roster who jumps out as having the ability to win a major award.

Kansas City Royals: James Shields

Award: AL Cy Young

Prior to making the trade for James Shields, Wil Myers would have been in this spot for the Kansas City Royals.

However, the pair were traded for each other (among others), and Shields is now with the Royals.

This finally gives the Royals the ace they've been seeking for years. Shields now gets to be the No. 1 guy for a team.

Shields has 448 strikeouts over the last two years and will look to bring that same power to the AL Central.

He has a career record of 35-39 with a 3.98 ERA against the AL East. Toss out Toronto and Baltimore, and Shields has a 4.56 career ERA.

Against the AL Central, Shields is 13-11 with a 4.16 ERA without Kansas City in the mix.

He'll have 18 games each against relatively weaker teams (sans Detroit), while the AL East is a continual juggernaut.

Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout

Award: AL Most Valuable Player

If you didn't see what Mike Trout did last year for the Los Angeles Angels, then you missed a lot.

He hit .326 with 30 home runs, 83 RBI and 49 stolen bases. He won the AL Rookie of the Year and finished second in the MVP race.

This year, he'll be in contention once again, although teammates Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton will give him a run for his money.

Trout is a true five-tool player and brings more to a lineup than any other player in baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw

Award: NL Cy Young

The easiest selection here would have been Adrian Gonzalez or Matt Kemp.

But the Los Angeles Dodgers are led by Clayton Kershaw, who finished second in the Cy Young voting last year.

Kershaw continually has an ERA below 3.00 and 200 strikeouts.

With an even better offense supporting him this year, Kershaw has the ability to win the pitching Triple Crown. If he does that, the Cy Young would be a foregone conclusion.

Miami Marlins: Giancarlo Stanton

Award: NL Most Valuable Player

The Miami Marlins had a lot of players who would have been considered for this spot...if it was last year's team.

After another sell-a-thon by Jeffrey Loria, the Marlins are left with only one real star—Giancarlo Stanton.

If the Marlins are going to make any noise this year, it will be because of Stanton.

His home run numbers will run close to 40 again, but his RBI numbers will likely be down due to the weakness of the lineup.

However, if the lineup can play bigger than expected, Stanton could make some noise and be in the running for this award.

Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun

Award: NL Most Valuable Player

Ryan Braun is another one of those who is a perennial contender for a major award.

This year will be no different for the Milwaukee Brewers outfielder. He's been consistent ever since he entered the league in 2007, averaging 34 home runs and 107 RBI a year.

Braun also has a .313 batting average over that time.

He'll once again lead the Brewers and be in the running for the NL MVP for the third-straight year.

Minnesota Twins: Aaron Hicks

Award: AL Rookie of the Year

With Aaron Hicks being named a starter to open the season, the Minnesota Twins rookie will immediately be in the conversation for the AL's top rookie.

He hit .286 with 13 home runs, 61 RBI, 32 stolen bases and 100 runs scored in Double-A last year.

After winning the job in center field, Hicks is expected to be the table-setter this year.

If the Twins are going to have any success this year, Hicks is going to have to get on the base paths for guys like Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham.

New York Mets: David Wright

Award: NL Most Valuable Player

The New York Mets are another one of those teams that don't have much to look forward to, especially with the recent injury to Johan Santana.

However, the one thing New York fans have to look forward to is David Wright manning the hot corner.

Wright played a full season in 2012 after an injury-riddled 2011.

He has the ability to put 30 home runs and 100 RBI. The only question is: Will he have the support in front of him on the bases?

New York Yankees: Mariano Rivera

Award: AL Comeback Player of the Year

Mariano Rivera will go down as the best closer ever to play the game.

If Rivera gets 30 saves this year for the New York Yankees, he'll win the AL Comeback Player of the Year award.

This may be a bold prediction, but there is no way Rivera won't win the award a year after tearing his ACL and right before he retires.

Oakland Athletics: Dan Straily

Award: AL Rookie of the Year

Dan Straily is still eligible for this award, despite pitching in 39.1 innings at the end of 2012 with the Oakland Athletics.

With a record of 2-1 with a 3.89 ERA and 32 strikeouts, Straily showed he had the stuff to stick around.

Straily is likely going to be sent to Triple-A after one start when Bartolo Colon returns from suspension.

However, Straily won't be there long as something is bound to go wrong in the A's rotation. When it does, Straily will be back for good.

Philadelphia Phillies: Cole Hamels

Award: NL Cy Young

Cole Hamels finally gets the season opener for the first time in his career.

Now, the Philadelphia Phillies lefty is going to try to get the team going from the get-go.

With an NLCS and World Series MVPs on his shelf, Hamels is ready to show he can be a dominant pitcher over the course of an entire season.

The Phillies may have Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay, but both are getting older and Hamels has to take the reins.

Hamels had his best year in 2012, going 17-6 with a 3.05 ERA and 216 strikeouts. If he duplicates that, he'll be in the running for a Cy Young in 2013.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen

Award: NL Most Valuable Player

Andrew McCutchen easily had the best season of his career in 2012 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

McCutchen batted .327 with 31 home runs and 96 RBI as he helped lead a resurgence for the Pirates.

This year, the Pirates will be even better, competing for a playoff spot. And McCutchen will be in the center of it all.

San Diego Padres: Jedd Gyorko

Award: NL Rookie of the Year

Jedd Gyorko is going to get a significant amount of playing time for the San Diego Padres.

With injuries to Chase Headley and Logan Forsyth, Gyorko will get starts at both second and third.

Gyorko batted .311 with 30 home runs and 100 RBI across Double-A and Triple-A in 2012.

If he can bring those numbers to the big leagues, he'll not only be in the conversation for NL Rookie of the Year, but also MVP.

San Francisco Giants: Tim Lincecum

Award: NL Comeback Player of the Year

Last year was the worst for San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum.

Lincecum went 10-15 with a 5.18 ERA and 190 strikeouts. All three were career worsts when he's had a full season of starts.

This year, Lincecum will no doubt be coming back with a vengeance, especially after the Giants won the World Series.

Here was the ace of the staff, sitting in the bullpen watching "lesser" players make starts in the playoffs. That had to get under his skin.

He'll use that as motivation and return to form in 2013.

Seattle Mariners: Felix Hernandez

Award: AL Cy Young

Felix Hernandez has four-straight seasons of 200-plus strikeouts and 230-plus innings pitched.

He is a power pitcher who eats a lot of innings.

The one knock against him is that he doesn't pick up as many wins as other top pitchers in baseball, but that didn't stop him from winning the Cy Young in 2010.

With an improved offense, that may change this year for Hernandez. As long as he continues to pitch the way he has the last four years, King Felix will see his win total be higher.

St. Louis Cardinals: Adam Wainwright

Award: NL Cy Young

After missing all of 2011, Adam Wainwright had a good season for the St. Louis Cardinals last year.

Wainwright went 14-13 with a 3.94 ERA and 184 strikeouts.

This year should see an improvement in those numbers as he has to step up his game with Chris Carpenter out.

Wainwright has Cy Young capabilities, as was evident in 2010 and 2011. Now, he must show he's returned to form.

Tampa Bay Rays: David Price

Award: AL Cy Young

Wil Myers would have been an easy selection here for the Tampa Bay Rays, but you have to go with the reigning AL Cy Young winner.

David Price went 20-5 with a 2.56 ERA and 205 strikeouts last year.

Simply put, he dominated the competition.

If he did it once, he can do it again.

Texas Rangers: Yu Darvish

Award: AL Cy Young

Yu Darvish came into MLB and did exactly what he did in the Japanese League—dominate.

In his first year with the Texas Rangers, Darvish went 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA and 216 strikeouts.

No Japanese pitcher dominated in his first year more than Darvish did in his.

With a better feel for MLB hitters, Darvish will be even better this year, putting himself in line for the Cy Young.

Toronto Blue Jays: John Gibbons

Award: AL Manager of the Year

This is almost a gimmie for Toronto Blue Jays skipper John Gibbons.

R.A. Dickey may be on the team, but if the Blue Jays win the division Gibbons will be named the AL's top manager.

The Blue Jays acquired a multitude of players during the offseason, including Dickey, Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle.

Let's put it this way: With the influx of talent now in Toronto, Gibbons should be fired if he doesn't win this year.

The talent is there. Now, he has to do something with it.

Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg

Award: NL Cy Young

There is no innings limit this year for the Washington Nationals' Stephen Strasburg.

With that, he has a lot to prove that he can go for an entire season.

Strasburg went 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 159.1 innings last year.

There's no doubt he's primed for a run at the Cy Young, along with teammate Gio Gonzalez.