MLB Awards: Dark Horse MVP Candidates

Oct 4, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays fans hold up "MVP" signs for third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) (not pictured) while he is up to bat during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays fans hold up "MVP" signs for third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) (not pictured) while he is up to bat during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day is close. That means a start to a long campaign for the yearly MLB awards such as the Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and of course, MVP. Every year, you expect the usual players to win the awards, such as the Mike Trouts and Clayton Kershaws of the world. Sometimes, though, it’s the guys you don’t expect, such as Lorenzo Cain last season. Maybe they don’t win the award, but they definitely come close, or closer than you expected.

The Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player award is given to the best player in their respective league. However, there is one caveat; it is usually won by players on good teams. That means that even though they have the numbers, guys like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado won’t win the award.

Of course the normal guys are in the running, Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Josh Donaldson, and so on. But maybe there are some guys you didn’t think of, at least on first thought. So today, I’m giving you those players.

Next: A young star..