MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL MVP candidates through April

Apr 25, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout speaks to the crowd after receiving his 2014 MVP award before the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

At this early juncture, the Most Valuable Player race in the American League looks like a list of the usual suspects for the most part. If anything, that simply reinforces how good these particular players are and that their performances in April were worthy of their lofty reputations. It was a fairly good month for offense in the AL, and the five MVP candidates reflect that. Four of them boast an OPS over 1.000, and the other is not far behind at .999.

Mike Trout won the award unanimously last year, leading both leagues in runs (115) and total bases (338). The Angels center fielder may very well end up lifting the hardware again in 2015, but he won’t lack for competition. New faces may enter the fray as the season progresses, but all five on this list look to remain factors in the MLB awards picture all year long.

Honorable mention: OAK Stephen Vogt (.348, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 1.035 OPS)

Next: Hanley Ramirez