For your WAY too early consideration for MVP in MLB

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 24: Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after hitting a home run in the sixth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

3 of 9

(Photo by John Sleezer/Getty Images) /

Hunter Dozier

Kansas City Royals – First Baseman

This is by far a breakout campaign for Dozier. Where as before there was pressure to maybe fill voids left behind by Eric Hosmer and eventually Mike Moustakas, now he has free reign.

Dozier has compiled strong stats to start the season, with a slash line of .344/.443/.677, giving him the best OPS in the American League.

With that, he has hit 7 homeruns and driven in 17 RBI. Just to put it into perspective, Dozier hit only 11 homeruns and 34 RBI all of last season. He played 102 games.

So maybe breakout is an understatement because this is his second full year in the league and he’s only 27-years-old; same as Trout.

Dozier now is fully accepting of his role as the youthful, power hitting corner infielder for a team that is clearly still rebuilding, but with a keystone piece already coming into form.

Home/MLB News