MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL MVP candidates through June
By Josh Sippie
July 1, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) rounds the bases after he hits a solo home run in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
With another month of the season in the books, we are a month clearer to understanding who should be the MVP of each individual league. The overall crop for the AL MVP candidates has not necessarily changed too much, but their are some newcomers making a dead sprint for the award.
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Manny Machado absolutely raked in June, clubbing 8 home runs and driving in 22 with a batting average of .365. However, while the young third baseman is sneaking into the AL MVP conversation, he is not quite there yet. His .303 average with 16 home runs and 44 RBIs is something to pay attention to, however, and no doubt should he put up July numbers anywhere near his June numbers, he will be in the conversation come next edition of the MVP watch.
Another player who made a strong statement in June is J.D. Martinez, who put up a league leading 26 RBIs in the month along with 11 home runs and a .290 average. That puts his yearly numbers at 20 home runs and 48 RBIs. Pretty impressive, J.D., but that .281 average still leaves a bit to be desired.
The three-time MVP Albert Pujols is also making a bold run for his fourth overall and first AL MVP. The former Cardinal slugger clubbed a league leading 13 home runs in the month and added 26 RBIs and a .303 average to boot. Pujols has long been a shade of his St. Louis self but given these kinds of numbers, he may find a resurgence of belief really quick.
But none of these three June sluggers made it into the top five MVP candidates. Here are our top five candidates.
Next: Number 5