kris bryant
Kris Bryant is a leading candidate to win the NL MVP. Getty

The 2016 MLB season enters its final week, and there is already a pretty clear idea who are the top candidates for the major awards. The Chicago Cubs can expect to win at least one award in a season that has them running away with the best record in baseball.

But what really stands out is how the crop of candidates are mostly new, with players like Bryce Harper and Dallas Keuchel certain to not take home a trophy this year.

Here's a look at the top awards for the American League and National League.

AL MVP

Once again, Los Angeles Angels superstar outfielder Mike Trout is in prime position to win the award. However, there are other contenders making compelling cases in a deep field. The Houston Astros' Jose Altuve is running away with the batting title, hitting homers and stealing bases. But David Ortiz, 40, is on the AL East winner Boston Red Sox and has the best OPS in the league. Toronto Blue Jays star Josh Donaldson and the Red Sox's Mookie Betts also definitely deserve consideration.

Prediction: Ortiz

AL Cy Young

This is an interesting group with many contenders to consider. Boston's Rick Porcello has had a career year and is among the leaders in wins, ERA and innings. Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander is probably not competing with rookie Michael Fulmer because Fulmer hasn't pitched over 180 innings. The Blue Jays J.A. Happ has been a steady presence and deserves to be in the discussion. But the frontrunner is probably Corey Kluber, who has been crucial for the Cleveland Indians.

Prediction: Kluber

AL Rookie of the Year

Unlike the NL, this is a tough race to call. Gary Sanchez has been excellent for the New York Yankees but didn't play a full season. Fulmer faded in September, but the Tigers wouldn't have been in the postseason race without his numerous quality starts.

Prediction: Fulmer

NL MVP

Lots of interesting names in this group. Kris Bryant is the best player on the best team in baseball with one of the best OPS in the league. His teammate, Anthony Rizzo, has fewer home runs, which means he won't surpass Bryant in voting. Colorado Rockies star Nolan Arenado, who has posted very good numbers outside Coors Field, deserves to be in the mix since he may finish with the most homers.

Prediction: Bryant

NL Rookie of the Year

Much like the MVP race, it probably comes down to two Cubs: Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester. At the moment, Lester has a worse ERA than Hendricks, but has thrown more innings and a better win-loss record. Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals' Max Scherzer has been excellent with over 223 innings. The Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw probably deserves to win every year, but since he didn't pitch a full season it seems highly doubtful he takes the award this season.

Prediction: Lester

NL Rookie of the Year

Why even debate this one? Corey Seager is the obvious top choice, leading the Dodgers in his first full season and is a possible MVP candidate. The huge hype was real for the young shortstop, and his numbers prove it. Trea Turner deserves second-place votes for his red-hot start since his June call-up.

Prediction: Seager