Among other things, the first month of the 2017 MLB season being out of the way means that awards season is one step closer.
So who are the early contenders for the big ones?
This is a good time to take the temperatures of the Rookie of the Year, Cy Young and MVP races. Lists of the top five contenders for each award in the American League and National League will be presented ahead.
It's a little early to take defensive ratings into account, so position players will be judged primarily on their offensive results.