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2019 MLB Season: AL MVP Race Update for September

By Lucas Friedman

ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 27: Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a solo home run in the eighth inning of a game against the Texas Rangers played on August 27, 2019 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 27: Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a solo home run in the eighth inning of a game against the Texas Rangers played on August 27, 2019 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Angels considered a 10-year, $350M offer to Mike Trout
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As the 2019 MLB season begins its final month, the race for AL MVP has become incredibly one-sided. Mike Trout looks poised to hoist up his 3rd MVP Award at the end of the season. However, the race for second place has heated up, with some big names rising up in the poles thanks to their scorching-hot August performances

Was there ever any doubt? Mike Trout has earned the unanimous crown as the best player in baseball, and he should add another MVP trophy for his performance during the 2019 MLB season to strengthen his case for Cooperstown. However, if a meteorite suddenly strikes Angels Stadium and Mike Trout vanished from the race, the next few guys up would make an interesting race for the trophy.

Just for fun, we’ll take a look at the top five contenders for the 2019 AL MVP, as well as a couple honorable mentions. The group includes a pair of Red Sox not named Mookie Betts or J.D. Martinez, a pair of Astros not named José Altuve or George Springer, and the unlikely superstar of the Yankees. Oh yeah, and that guy named after some fish.

Honorable Mentions:

Carlos Santana, 1B, Cleveland Indians

The 33-year-old spent his entire career on the Indians until joining the Phillies in 2018. In Philedelphia, he experienced a down year, where he slashed .229/.352/.414 with 24 HRs, 86 RBIs. He finished with a wRC+ of 108 and a 1.8 WAR, according to Fangraphs.

However, his homecoming to Cleveland has produced the best season of his career. Through 139 games, Santana has slashed .287/.404/.537 with 32 HRs and 85 RBIs to go along with a 142 wRC+ and 4.4 WAR, according to Fangraphs. His comeback campaign earned him his first career All Star game selection, where he started at first in front of a grateful home crowd.

Santana will likely finish outside the top 5 in MVP voting, but his 2019 season has been a feel good comeback story that deserves praise.

Michael Brantley, OF, Houston Astros

While Cleveland gained an MVP candidate back in Santana, they lost one in Michael Brantley. Brantley dealt with a myriad of injuries during his tenure with the Indians, but the 32-year-old outfielder has realized his full potential in his first year with the Astros.

He currently boasts an impressive .324/.384/.522 slash line paired with 20 HRs and 84 RBIs. His 142 wRC+ matches Santana, while slightly edging him in WAR with a 4.5.

Brantley has been Houston’s steadiest hitter at the top of the lineup. While he probably won’t win MVP, he will undoubtedly play a vital role in their pursuit of their second World Series title.

Matt Chapman, 3B, Oakland Athletics

Matt Chapman is a budding superstar in the MLB. He has already earned the reputation as one of the games best defensive players. In 2018, he won the AL Platinum Glove, an award given to the best overall fielder in the league.

He has continued his defensive dominance in 2019. His 2.1 defensive WAR is tied for 1st in the AL, per Baseball Reference. However, his breakout offensive year has made him a legitimate Top 5 MVP contender.

Chapman has slashed .256/.349/521 with 31 HRs and 90 RBIs. His 6.4 overall WAR ranks 3rd in the AL behind Trout and Bregman, according to Baseball Reference. Chapman has a bright future, and will be in contention for the MVP for years to come.

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