MLB Awards Watch 2015: Top 5 AL MVP

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Aug 25, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) hits an rbi triple during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The American League MVP Award is one of several too-close-to-call races in baseball this season, but that doesn’t mean we won’t try. Fans and media have already been debating between the top two contenders for months now. You can’t really go wrong with either, and your choice ultimately depends on what specific qualities you value in an MVP.

It was a good year for offense in Major League Baseball, especially on the Junior Circuit. That’s a welcome development to many after years of decline. The AL boasts the four highest-scoring clubs in baseball this season (Blue Jays, Yankees, Rangers and Red Sox), as well as the five most frequent home run-hitting squads (Blue Jays, Astros, Orioles, Yankees and Mariners). Naturally, there are numerous imposing hitters to consider in the American League. But several pitchers were not to be outdone either.

We continue our 2015 MLB awards watch with a review of our Top 5 AL MVP candidates.

Honorable mentions: David Price (DET/TOR), Adrian Beltre (TEX), Nelson Cruz (SEA)

Next: Player #5

5. Dallas Keuchel

Oct 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Pitchers typically have to do something pretty remarkable to garner MVP consideration. Dallas Keuchel‘s accomplishments in 2015 certainly qualify. The Houston Astros ace went a perfect 15-0 at home this season with a sparkling 1.46 ERA. And he wasn’t exactly a slouch on the road either (3.77 ERA). He’s the frontrunner for the AL Cy Young Award, but he could make a fair case for the MVP as well.

The 27-year-old southpaw won a league-high 20 games on the year to the tune of a 2.48 ERA. He threw an AL-most 232 innings over 33 starts and also twirled a pair of complete game shutouts. His 1.017 WHIP and 162 ERA+ were also league bests.

Many wondered if Keuchel would be able to maintain the success of his breakout 2014, and he answered those questions by being even better. The Astros will pin their postseason hopes on him tonight as he takes the mound against the Yankees in New York.

Next: Player #4

4. Manny Machado

Sep 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run off Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (not pictured) at Nationals Park. Baltimore Orioles defeated Washington Nationals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Davis and his league-leading 47 home runs will get more of the attention, but 23-year-old Manny Machado enjoyed his best season yet for the Baltimore Orioles.

The third baseman played in all 162 games this season and was an unrelenting presence in the O’s lineup. He slashed .286/.359/.502 with 35 homers and 86 RBI (both career highs). He also added 20 steals and played great defense at the hot corner. His 7.1 WAR places him fifth in the AL.

Machado is the rare combination of power, quickness and top-notch glovework. And he is still just 23 years of age with four seasons already under his belt. The Orioles may or may not be able to re-sign Davis this winter, but they can rest assured that they will have Machado on their side for at least a few more seasons.

Next: Player #3

3. Lorenzo Cain

Sep 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) makes a catch on a fly ball by Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton (not pictured) during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Once known more for his speed and defense, Lorenzo Cain discovered some offensive firepower in his arsenal in 2015. The Kansas City Royals center fielder set career highs with 16 homers and 72 RBI this season. His previous bests had been seven and 53, respectively.

He continues to be one of the premier defensive center fielders in baseball. His 14.3 UZR trails only Billy Hamilton (14.5) and Kevin Kiermaier (30.0). Combined with his emerging offensive skills, that makes him an increasingly valuable package for the Royals.

The 29-year-old Cain also added 28 stolen bases (out of 34 attempts) and made his first All-Star Game appearance. Rounding out his profile, he generated a 7.2 WAR, good for fourth in the AL.

Next: Player #2

2. Mike Trout

Sep 13, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) watches the ball clear the fence on a solo home run in the first inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

In most other years, Mike Trout would be an easy choice to win his second consecutive AL MVP award at the tender age of 24. Even with the impressive credentials of his main rival for the prize, you could still put together a very convincing argument that Trout was once again the most valuable force in his league.

He led the AL in WAR for an astonishing fourth straight year with a 9.4 rating. He missed just three games this season (he’s only been absent for 13 over the past three years) and put up a .299/.402/.590 slash line with 41 home runs and 90 RBI. His 176 OPS+ was the highest in the American League. And he continues to be more than just a potent bat, routinely making highlight reel plays in center field.

In either case, Trout will earn his fourth consecutive top-two finish in the AL MVP vote. It’s almost scary to think how many pieces of hardware this guy is going to have by the time he calls it a career.

Next: Player #1

1. Josh Donaldson

Sep 30, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits a RBI double in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t particularly like to be caught up in narrative, but let’s face it: the Toronto Blue Jays were one of baseball’s top stories this year. Third baseman Josh Donaldson was arguably the greatest linchpin in their successful campaign, leading the Jays to their first postseason appearance and division title since 1993.

The man popularly known as the “Bringer of Rain” certainly did that a lot in 2015. Acquired from the Oakland A’s last offseason, Donaldson’s fearsome bat padded an already intimidating lineup. He finished the regular season with a .297/.371/.568 slash line, 41 home runs (fifth in MLB) and an AL-leading 123 RBI. He also scored 122 runs, the most in the major leagues this year.

You could hardly fault someone for choosing Mike Trout to nab his second MVP award this season. But Toronto’s special season, highlighted by a truly torrid second half, gives a slight edge to Donaldson.

Next: NL ROY end-of-season rankings

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