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MLB Awards Watch 2016: Top 5 AL MVP candidates through April

By Tim Haberin

Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a double during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a double during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Which five players have the strongest early cases for the AL MVP award after the month of April?

One month does not a season make, but every MVP campaign has to start somewhere. April 2016 saw a variety of American Leaguers stake an early claim to the title of the Junior Circuit’s top player.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the AL MVP race through the opening month is that Mike Trout hasn’t really joined it yet. The Los Angeles Angels superstar got off to an uncharacteristically slow start that he has only recently started to reverse. He’s slashing .389/.463/.778 with four home runs and nine RBIs over his last 10 games, so expect to see the 2014 MVP winner back on this list next month.

Robinson Cano leads the league with eight homers and 24 RBIs, but the Seattle Mariners second baseman’s .226 batting average and .301 OBP kind of sour his argument. Similar statements can be said of Chris Davis and Todd Frazier, who have seven home runs and 17 RBIs each but are both hitting under .240.

There is obviously still a long way to go, so these rankings will naturally change over the next several installments. For now, take a look at our Top 5 AL MVP candidates through the month of April.

Honorable Mentions: Mark Trumbo (BAL), Logan Forsythe (TB)

Next: David Ortiz

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