Most Valuable Player
American League: Mike Trout
National League: Kris Bryant
It is hard to make a case on either of the defending MVP’s failing to regain the honors in 2017. I mean, realistically these guys have no players on the elite status that they are on. Sure, Bryant has Bryce Harper creeping behind him looking to regain his MVP trophy. But outside of the shaky Harper, who really is there in the National League? There are great players don’t get me wrong, but it is hard to match up with what Bryant has been doing. Guys like Trea Turner and Corey Seager may have an outside chance, but even that is hard to see.
As for the American League MVP, nobody is on the same level as Mike Trout. Jose Altuve is close, Mookie Betts isn’t far off, but Trout is one of the greatest talents we’ve seen in a long time. Unless some extreme misfortune occurred, such as injury, it is hard to see anyone put up the type of season it takes to overtake Trout. It has happened before however, but that took the first triple crown in nearly 50 years and an amazing stretch of baseball that led the Blue Jays to the postseason. It would take something special to overthrow Trout, and right now it seems to still be Trout’s league.
What do you think? Are my predictions for the most part spot on, or am I completely crazy? I would love to see your predictions and insight in the comments, guessing the awards months before the season even begins is a fun discussion.