Could this be the year? He finished 3rd in 2017.
Top 10 MLB MVP candidates:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
5) Francisco Lindor, Indians
Lindor finished fifth in last year’s voting and he’s having an even better season than he did last year. Hitting just shy of .300 and with his second consecutive 30-home run season in sight, the Cleveland shortstop’s candidacy will be bolstered not just by his offensive numbers, but because he plays quality defense at one of the most important positions on the field. Despite this, he’s viewed as a longshot, as his offensive numbers lag behind those of his key competitors.
4) J.D. Martinez, Red Sox
One of the biggest problems with the Red Sox in 2017 was their lack of power on offense. Bringing in Martinez late in the offseason pretty much solved that problem. The outfielder has taken the league lead with 37 home runs and is almost a look to have his second consecutive 40-homer year. The perception is that he has been a key factor in making Boston’s one of the most feared lineups in the league, and that will earn him consideration. There may be some vote splitting thanks to Mookie Betts, though, and those who consider defense to be vital will likely punish Martinez.
3) Jose Ramirez, Indians
Ramirez had a case last year to win AL MVP, and the third baseman’s argument may be even stronger in 2018. A .300 hitter at the hot corner, he’s right on pace with Martinez in the home run department and plays better defense at a more important position. He also adds the speed element, topping the AL charts with 27 stolen bases. He even has a .409 OBP. He has a very strong argument.
2) Mike Trout, Angels
Trout will continue to test those who believe that playoff contention is vital to any MVP candidacy. He’s put together his usual elite campaign, with a mind-boggling .459 on-base percentage, a would-be career high. He’s already past 30 home runs, on pace to hit .300, is second in OPS, and remains a strong and steady defender in center field. Unfortunately for him, the Angels look set to miss the playoffs again, and his dominance is almost becoming expected. Both factors, plus a wrist injury, may hinder him when it comes time to vote.
1) Mookie Betts, Red Sox
Betts may well have the best combination of numbers that will make him too good to ignore for MVP voters. He lacks the OBP of Ramirez and Trout, but his .350 batting average leads the league. He has 23 steals and speed is a big part of his repertoire. He’s on his way to 30 home runs. Right field isn’t the most important position on the field defensively, but he plays it outstandingly. He’s also remarkably versatile, and he’s the face of the best team in the sport. He’ll be tough to vote against.
Top 10 MLB MVP candidates:
5) Matt Carpenter, Cardinals
Carpenter went on a truly astonishing run in mid-July, homering in six consecutive contests, including a three-homer day against the Chicago Cubs. That hot streak helped vault him into the NL home run lead. He’s continued to consistently produce since then, raising his average to .277 after a very slow start to the season. If finishing strong is a factor, Carpenter looks set to do so, and he’s capable of playing three defensive positions well, too.
4) Freddie Freeman, Braves
Long one of the NL’s more underappreciated first basemen, Freeman finally has a contending team around him to bring some attention to his excellent all-around game. He’s a .300-hitter and an excellent defender. While his power numbers may lag behind the NL’s best, he has a good chance of topping the .400 mark in OBP for a third consecutive season. His numbers and style aren’t flashy, which may hurt him in a crowded field, but he’s one of the steadiest players in the league.
3) Nolan Arenado, Rockies
Arenado is a dynamic player who continues to rise in stature year after year. Arguably the sport’s finest defender at third base, he’s also a consistent .300 hitter with power. He’s tied for second in home runs behind Carpenter, but he hits for a better average and plays better defense. Voters will have to sort through the Coors Field factor and how much that matters for his offense. As has been the case in his career, he’s a much better hitter at home than he is on the road.
2) Jacob deGrom, Mets
Usually for a pitcher to win an MVP award, it requires a phenomenal season on their part coupled with a lack of obvious, standout candidates among the ranks of position players. That looks to be the case this year, and deGrom may be the beneficiary. Throw the win-loss record out the window; deGrom has received a historic lack of support from the Mets’ offense. His ERA is 1.85, he barely walks anyone, maintains a WHIP of 0.97, and strikes out over ten batters per nine innings. He’s having a historically great season, and he deserves heavy consideration, and maybe even to win it.
1) Javier Baez, Cubs
Baez certainly has the resume for the award. First, he has the scorching hot form, as he’s hitting .326 with nine home runs since the start of July and looks poised to finish strong. He’s a flashy and versatile defender at three key infield positions. He can also steal a base, as he has 19 for the season. He doesn’t walk much at all, and on a team as talented as the Cubs, one can make an argument that he’s not quite as vital to their success as some of the other MVP candidates are to theirs, but the buzz is around him right now, and he’s an exciting and worthy candidate.
Sure glad Jose is on our side
