Ranking the Top 5 Darkhorse AL MVP Candidates for 2015

For the last few years, the MVP discussion has really come down to the Angels’ young phenom Mike Trout and one of either Tigers slugger, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. Sure, there’s been plenty of other players who have received votes in the last couple years, but it really has come down to Trout versus one of Detroit’s premier hitters. While it is pretty likely that Trout will probably walk away with the AL MVP for the second straight year ,this list isn’t outlining the most likely to win AL MVP, it is focusing more on some under the radar players who could sneak home with the award. They are ranked from unlikeliest of the 5 to the most likely under-the-radar player to bring home the hardware.

5. Michael Brantley, Left Fielder, Cleveland Indians

Brantley had always been a solid player for the Indians, but he really broke out in a big way in 2o14, hitting .327 with 2o homers, 97 RBI, and even stole 23 bases. He was rewarded for his great season with a third-place finish in the AL MVP voting. In 2015, the Indians figure to be an improved team and should be strong players in the American League Central, and Brantley will almost certainly be leading the charge. If Brantley can come close to replicating his 2014 season, and the Indians are a playoff team, do not be surprised if Brantley wins this prestigious award.

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4. Edwin Encarnacion, First Baseman/Designated Hitter, Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a lot of improvements to their team this offseason, adding all-star third baseman Josh Donaldson, veteran catcher Russel Martin, and the talented outfielder Michael Saunders. They should compete in the wide open AL East, and if the Jays manage to make the postseason for the first time since 1993, it won’t be right fielder Jose Bautista taking home the MVP, it will be Edwin Encarnacion. Encarnacion has an enormous amount of power, evident by his home run totals the last three seasons (42, 36 and 34, respectively). Encarnacion also hits for a solid average and gets on base at a high clip. If not MVP, do not be surprised to see the Jays’ cleanup hitter claim the AL home run crown.

3. Jose Abreu, First Baseman/Designated Hitter, Chicago White Sox

Abreu had a monster rookie season for the White Sox, blasting 36 home runs and taking home the AL Rookie of the Year Award. However, the White Sox were not a contending team so his efforts were in vain. But after the terrific offseason the White Sox are about the come off of, the ChiSox are now a much stronger team and should be very competitive at the least. Abreu, penciled in as the Sox’s three-hole hitter, now has legit protection in the lefty-swinging Adam LaRoche, so 40 homers from the slugger is very realistic. Throw those 40 homers in with a high batting average and a quality team, and you have a legitimate MVP candidate.

2. Adam Jones, Center Fielder, Baltimore Orioles

For the past two seasons, Adam Jones has been somewhat overlooked as a player on the Orioles due to the monster seasons from Chris Davis (2o13) and Nelson Cruz (2014). However, the truth is that Jones is one of the most consistent and best players in baseball. Jones has hit at least .280 and cranked at least 25 home runs in each of the past four seasons. He has also won three consecutive gold gloves for his work in center field. Now with Cruz gone and Davis being far from a sure thing, Jones will be looked at to be the No. 1 guy in the Orioles offense, that is, if he wasn’t already before. If Jones can lead the Orioles to another AL East title and hit in his usual .280-.290 range with 30 homers and 100 RBI, he will be strongly considered for AL MVP.

1. Robinson Cano, Second Baseman, Seattle Mariners

We all know that Cano is an amazing hitter with good pop who also plays well at second base. He has hit over .300 every year since 2009, and has racked up five consecutive all-star appearances. What he has never done is win MVP, but there is a decent chance he does in 2o15. The Mariners finally added that power bat they so desperately needed in Nelson Cruz, who will hit after Cano. I expect the Mariners to be a very good team, and if they can translate their lights-out pitching and solid lineup to a division title, they will be a force to be reckoned with come the postseason. If they are able to win the AL West, Cano will be front and center and could walk away with the AL MVP award.