With an assumed 3-headed race for the American League MVP, the final month could be vital to determine the winner
The conventional wisdom is that the American League MVP contest is down to three names: Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, and Jose Ramirez. If so, their performances during September may go a long way toward establishing the final order of finish.
There’s still the outside possibility, however, of a surprise entrant. While it would take an exceptional finish to actually steal the award from one of the favorites, several players have positioned themselves to become factors in the final voting outcome.
As is often the case, the performance of the contenders’ teams down the home stretch is also likely to be a factor. A late run by the Yankees, Athletics, or Mariners could propel one of their stars closer to the forefront of the competition.
The American League MVP race is also likely to feature a couple of evergreens, candidates who annually make a run at the award and whose 2018 seasons have, as usual, been award-worthy. After all, it wouldn’t be an American League MVP discussion without the name of Mike Trout, who hasn’t finished outside the voting’s top 5 since 2012, and who doesn’t figure to miss that elite company this year, either.
Beyond that, some surprises are likely. The Tampa Bay Rays may not be in post-season contention, but surely their surprisingly strong season deserves some recognition in the MVP voting.
For the record, here are the top 5 finishers from 2017: 1. Jose Altuve, Houston; 2. Aaron Judge, New York; 3. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland; 4. Mike Trout, Los Angeles/Anaheim; 5. Francisco Lindor, Cleveland. Of those five, only Judge, sidelined since late July with a wrist injury, might not be a voting factor.
With that one critical month remaining on the schedule, here’s an assessment of the candidacies of 10 likely to figure prominently in the MVP balloting.