Matt Castillo
As we are nearing the middle of the MLB season already it’s a perfect time to start looking at the MVP candidates for the American League and National league.
Let’s start with the American League with who I believe are right now the top three guys that are in running to win the MVP award.
I believe the front runner for the AL MVP award is Shohei Ohtani. Not only has he been smashing home runs but has been lights out as a starting pitcher as well. Ohtani has Smashed 17 home runs and has driven in 44 RBI’s up to this point in the season. As a starter, he has a 2-1 record with a 2.76 era in eight starts. He has thrown 42.1 innings pitched and has struck out 60 batters in those innings. Being a two-way player I had my doubts about him but he is getting it done.
The other guys that are in the mix would include Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Xander Bogaerts. Guerrero Jr is having a strong season for the Toronto Blue jays this year batting .329 hitting 18 homers and driving in 48 RBI’s. You can make a strong case he is the front runner but I put Ohtani ahead because of his starting pitching numbers.
Xander Bogaerts is having a great season for the Redsox as he is batting over.320 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI’s. Aaron Judge was my MVP pick coming into the season and he is approaching passing Bogaerts on my list but for now, I am sticking with Bogaerts as my number three guy for the AL MVP possibility.
Now for the National League MVP race!
The guy leading in my eyes for the National League MVP race is Fernado Tatis Jr. Tatis is batting .277 with 17 home runs and 39 RBI’s. He is certainly one of the most exciting young players in the game and he has been tearing it up over the past couple of seasons. This guy will win several MVP awards in his career in my opinion and the 22-year-old could get his first this year.
Behind him, I have Ronald Acuna Jr, who is another young stud and has been tearing it up since he has arrived in the league a few years ago. This is another guy that is going to be a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. Acuna is batting .278 with 18 homers and 38 RBI’s. Right now I give Tatis Jr. a slight edge.
My last candidate is a pitcher and I know there are some that don’t believe a pitcher should win MVP because they have their own award, but have you seen the way that Jacob DeGrom is pitching? The dude has more RBI’s as a pitcher than he does earn runs this year. He is 5-2 with a 0.62 ERA, he has struck out 93 hitters in 58 innings pitched. I will be honest this guy is my MVP but the reason why I have him third on my list is that they aren’t going to give it to a pitcher, but they should this guy is filthy!
