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Who Are the American League MVP Frontrunners?

By Phil Akre |
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 22: Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) at bat during a MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on July 22, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 22: Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) at bat during a MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on July 22, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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April 25, 2015: The MVP award presented to Mike Trout before the Texas Rangers game versus the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
April 25, 2015: The MVP award presented to Mike Trout before the Texas Rangers game versus the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /

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.

ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 22: Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) at bat during a MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on July 22, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 22: Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) at bat during a MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on July 22, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Mike Trout

Surprise! Kidding, this absolutely should not be a surprise to any informed (or uninformed) baseball fan. As he rides through another terrific season, Mike Trout has once again shown why he is the greatest of his generation.

Up to this point, Trout leads the American League in a bunch of statistical categories. Here’s the short list:

  • WAR (7.8)
  • Offensive WAR (7.2)
  • On-base % (.459)
  • Walks (99)

In addition to those league-leading numbers, Trout has struck out 97 times compared to his 99 walks.

Aside from those stats, Trout carries a line of .309/.459/.624 with a 1.083 OPS. Those are video game numbers. While there are players with higher averages, few match Trout’s multi-faceted skillset that allows him to succeed in nearly every area of the game.

The only detriment to Trout’s case for MVP is his team. The Angels have trudged through yet another disappointing season with him in his prime years. While the lack of talent on the Angels’ may hurt Trout’s case, his value to the entire team cannot be denied.

BOSTON, MA – JULY 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox gestures before batting against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Fenway Park on July 29, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JULY 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox gestures before batting against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Fenway Park on July 29, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

Mookie Betts

In the end, the American League MVP race will probably come down to two players; Trout and Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts. There’s few players in all of baseball that possess the tools Betts’ has harnessed.

On the year, he’s hitting .346 with 25 HR’s, 57 RBI’s and a .431 OBP. He has these numbers despite missing 14 games back in early June.

Like Trout, Betts also leads the AL in a number of important categories.

  • BA (.346)
  • Slugging % (.654)
  • OBP (1.085)

He’s been Bostons best overall player, even though J.D. Martinez is earning every penny from his offseason deal. Trout is generally considered baseball’s best overall talent, but Betts’ makes a strong case for the top spot, too.

One thing going against Betts’ is the fact that he is just one of many great hitters on a stacked Boston roster.

There’s Martinez, Betts, Andrew Benintendi and Xander Bogaerts. That and the fact that the Red Sox are 12-7 without Betts in the lineup shows that the team doesn’t always need him.

But of course, they’ll take him. If he doesn’t win the award, he’ll finish no lower than third in voting.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 22: Boston Red Sox v the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 22, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan.
DETROIT, MI – JULY 22: Boston Red Sox v the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 22, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. /

J.D. Martinez

Can you believe it took so long for J.D. Martinez to sign this past winter? Seriously, the free agent market was weird.

Safe to say now, Martinez has absolutely earned his payday with what could be the greatest season of his career.

Aside from his .327 average, he leads the AL in RBI (90) and total bases (254), while his 32 home runs are tied for first. With his incredible production, he’s matched that of his teammate, Mookie Betts.

That’s no small feat, and it’s a testament to Martinez’s impressive body of work over his career. He’s on pace to eclipse his 45 home runs and 104 RBI’s from last season by a lot.

Considering both players work this season, it’s difficult to pinpoint who exactly has been the more valuable player. Statistically speaking, Betts’ 6.9 WAR is way ahead of Martinez’s 4.7 mark. But, 32 home runs and 90 RBI’s by August is truly impressive.

In actual voting, Betts’ higher average and overall game will place him ahead of Martinez. But, you can count on the marquee addition getting a lot of first-place votes.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 30: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians hits a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of the game on July 30, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 30: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians hits a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of the game on July 30, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Jose Ramirez

Cleveland Indians’ third basemen Jose Ramirez has almost been the AL MVP.

He finished third in voting last year. A season before that, he finished 17th. Sure, it’s 17th, but it was a year that got him on the map. And this year, he’s broken out in a big way.

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His .302 average is in-line with his last two seasons, but his 32 home runs are a career high. He’s on pace to finish with 40-50 HR’s after hitting 29 last season. After driving in 83 runs last year, he’s already collected 78.

Perhaps most impressive is the fact that his 7.2 WAR is second only to Mike Trout. His 64 extra base hit’s stand as the most in the AL.

His power and run production numbers stack up with the best of them, but his average might not be good enough to capture the award.

But, we’re talking about a player who is keeping pace with everyone else on this list. Ramirez has been the most important member of the Indians.

And yes, I mean more important than Corey Kluber and Francisco Lindor. He’s been that good. Forget good starter numbers, Ramirez is a superstar in this league.

A superstar capable of taking home some hardware, too.

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So there are our top candidates for the American League MVP. Who do you think should get the award? Did we miss anyone in this list? Comment below!!

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