We're nearing the start of the stretch run, so let's check in on the leaders in the MVP and Cy Young races and more. Seven weeks have passed since the last Awards Watch, and though the leaderboards are still populated by many of the same names, much has changed, including the leader in this season's most scintillating race. That would be National League MVP, where PCA has leapfrogged Ohtani as the current front-runner. Back in early July, we noted how PCA was having a clear MVP season -- if only he and other contenders didn't play in a league with a dominant two-way player like Ohtani. Then came the injury that has kept him off the mound, and for the past seven-plus weeks, he has been merely a superstar-level DH.

The leaderboard switch happened in the betting markets on Aug. 5, when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kyle Tucker staged an incredible head-to-head duel at Coors Field. But the change happened in the AXE system on July 21, and Crow-Armstrong's edge has since grown into a clear -- but not insurmountable -- advantage. Along with the epic NL MVP race, we're going to drill down between the top two in AXE in each awards category, while also noting where AXE departs from odds at Delaware Park.

Most Valuable Player American League Front-runner: Aaron Judge, Houston Astros (148.1 AXE). Next nine: 2. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (143); 3. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers (134.4); 4. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (129.5); 5. J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (129); 6. Andrew Benintendi, Chicago White Sox (128.9); 7. Luis Arraez, Tigers (128.5); 8. Austin Hayes, Baltimore Orioles (127.3); 9. Junior Cleveland, Delaware (126.8); 10. Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners (126.7).