MLB

While Bryce Harper is a stone-cold lock to run away with the National League MVP honors, it's not easy to forecast the outcomes for many of the 2015 MLB award races.

After sifting through the stats from the season that was and examining the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballots from recent campaigns, what follows are predictions for final vote totals for the three finalists in each race.

The New York Yankees need starting pitching. That's not breaking news, but it's an undeniable truth.

They can get it by spending on the open market, which would be the classic Yankee Way. Or they could get creative on the trading block, which might be the Yankee Way 2.0.

If they go the trade route, here's a name the Yanks and general manager Brian Cashman will at least consider dangling: Brett Gardner.

Brace yourselves, Atlanta Braves fans. Another franchise player might be about to make his exit.

The Atlanta Braves' organizational teardown is not leaving anyone safe, including star first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Continue for updates.

The MLB offseason is in full swing, as we have already seen a pair of blockbuster trades, three players accept qualifying offers and a few other low-level free-agent signings.

There is still a lot left to be decided between now and spring training, though, and with the winter meetings less than a month away, expect the hot stove to continue getting hotter in the days and weeks to come.

While most teams are focused on improving their rosters during the offseason so that they can put a contending club on the field the following season, the futures of a club's top prospects are certainly considered with each and every move a general manager may—or may not—make over the winter.

When it comes to the New York Mets, two things are very clear:

Youth was served in great, big, heaping helpings in the 2015 MLB season. We witnessed one of the best rookie classes in recent memory—and of all time, for that matter.

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired right-handed starter Jeremy Hellickson from the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-handed prospect Sam McWilliams, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.

Before all the confetti and empties were picked up from the streets of Kansas City after the Royals had their World Series parade, the Major League Baseball hot-stove season had its first blockbuster trade. 

When the Los Angeles Angels decided to give up a significant return package to acquire all-world shortstop Andrelton Simmons from the Atlanta Braves, it was the kind of deal that could result in both clubs receiving game-changing players.