The New York Yankees have ended a 15-year pennant drought, with rookies Luis Gil and Austin Wells recognized as finalists for the AL Rookie of the Year award. Gil, who has shown strong performance since returning from injury, is a favorite for the honor. Meanwhile, Wells contributed solidly during the regular season despite a challenging playoff.

Both players face competition from Baltimore Orioles' Colton Cowser, who is also in the running for the award. The BBWAA will announce the winners on November 18.

As the season concludes, a review of the top relief pitchers highlights their performance against draft expectations. Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals emerged as a standout, setting a franchise record with 49 saves despite a previous injury.

Kirby Yates of the Texas Rangers, initially overlooked, proved his worth with a stellar season, saving 33 games. Robert Suarez of the San Diego Padres also had a strong start but faced challenges later in the season.

Ryan Walker from the San Francisco Giants and Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics both showed promise, with Miller leading in strikeouts despite injury concerns. Overall, these players have reshaped expectations for the upcoming draft.

The conclusion of the MLB regular season has prompted an expanded ranking of the top 50 rookies for 2024, showcasing the depth of talent in this year's class.

Highlighting the fierce competition, the NL Rookie of the Year race features Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres, while the AL race remains wide open.

Players are evaluated based on their performance, role, and development throughout the season, with late-season success carrying significant weight.

The Oakland Athletics faced a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 69-93 record, but there were bright spots amidst the struggles. Brent Rooker emerged as a standout player, hitting 39 home runs and achieving an impressive .927 OPS. Mason Miller transitioned to a closer role, successfully converting 28 saves with a stellar 2.49 ERA.

Despite individual successes, the pitching staff struggled overall, with the team ranking low in ERA. Zack Gelof's performance was disappointing after a strong 2023, and veteran pitchers failed to stabilize the rotation. The A's will need to focus on internal improvements for the future.

The 2024 MLB season is nearing its end, and the Cleveland Guardians are playoff-bound. While Jose Ramirez's MVP hopes are dimmed by Aaron Judge's performance, Emmanuel Clase is the Guardians' sole Cy Young contender, albeit with slim chances.

Cade Smith, however, is making a case for AL Rookie of the Year with impressive stats, including a 6-1 record and a 1.94 ERA. Despite his contributions, Smith faces tough competition and challenges due to his role as a middle reliever, which often limits recognition.