With August upon us, it’s time to take a look at who might take home hardware in a few months. Unlike the National League, the American League has a clear picture of who may earn the Most Valuable Player Award. Who are the frontrunners for the American League MVP?
Somehow, we’re already in August. While division races continue to intensify, the silent race for American League MVP is a bit clearer now.
It’s a far cry from the National League, where the Most Valuable Player award is essentially there for the taking. Freddie Freeman continues to produce in the midst of a wonderful season. Way out West, Nolan Arenado is keeping pace with his career power numbers. With a NL-leading 5.4 WAR, Lorenzo Cain has a shot at the award, too.
Over at the American League, though, it’s not so easy.
That’s the way it was last year, too. When Jose Altuve beat out Aaron Judge, it wasn’t by much. And while they’re both having fantastic years, they aren’t currently in the front of American League MVP discussions.
While the award already has its frontrunners, that doesn’t mean it’s locked up. In fact, it’s quite far from being locked up.
What I can tell you is this; one of these guys will probably be named the American League MVP. A surge here or there could propel one of them to the top. But, will a player’s value to his team be a deciding factor?
Let’s take a look.