Call to the pen
Fansided

American League MVP: Five Early Candidates

By Jason Evans

May 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) looks over at home plate umpire Tom Woodring (not pictured) during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) looks over at home plate umpire Tom Woodring (not pictured) during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Yankees
May 2, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) and right fielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrate in the seventh inning after scoring against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

We’ve taken a look at who could win the AL and NL Cy Young Awards. Now let’s turn our attention to the MVP race. Who are five candidates for the American League MVP as of right now?

Yes, the season is around 1/3 of the way done and it means we start to look at who are the frontrunners for some hardware once the season is over with. This time, it’s time to look at who are candidates for the American League MVP where we stand.

Last year, the top five in voting were Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Jose Altuve, Josh Donaldson and Manny Machado.

More from Call to the Pen

There are so many injuries throughout the game that you won’t see a lot of the usual suspects. Donaldson and Miguel Cabrera have missed time with injuries this season. Machado has gotten off to a rough start. Altuve has been his usual excellent self, while Betts has rebounded.

There are also new names who have emerged, whether they are rookies or players who are just off to excellent starts this season. It just goes to show you that anyone can emerge at any time if they are in the right situation and get that confidence to do the job.

So who could take the award this year? Can anyone dethrone Trout for the award since he will miss the next two months with a thumb injury? Let’s take a look at five candidates for the American League MVP Award right now.

Home/MLB Awards