MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL MVP candidates through April

4. Nelson Cruz – .322 BA, 10 HR, 22 RBI

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) reacts after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

It’s always difficult to get a read on how adversely a prior PED suspension will affect a specific player during awards season, but Nelson Cruz did garner enough ballots to place seventh in last year’s voting. His April numbers are also just too outstanding to ignore. Cruz has been an absolute force for the Mariners since signing with Seattle in the offseason. His home run (10) and RBI (22) totals are matched only by the aforementioned Ramirez in the AL. He is also complementing his power with a .322 batting average and .372 on-base rate.

Cruz’s 1.096 OPS is good for second-best among AL hitters, though a comedown shouldn’t be unexpected. Since 2010 he’s averaged a decidedly less impressive .274/.332/.512 batting line and .843 OPS. Regardless, after leading the majors with 40 homers last year the power doesn’t seem to have gone anywhere. If Cruz can help lead the M’s out of their early-season malaise and into the thick of the AL West race, he should help his case.

Next: Mike Trout