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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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MLB Players Power Rankings: Rafael Devers
(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Next on the list is the other member of the left side of the Red Sox’ infield, Rafael Devers. The Red Sox 22-year-old third baseman has quickly become one of the best young sluggers in the league. Devers made it clear he could hit the ball hard and drive in runs during his first full season in 2018. However, there were questions surrounding his plate discipline.

Devers has put all of those concerns to rest by decreasing his K% from 24.7% in 2018 to 16.2% in 2019, according to Fangraphs. This has lead to a .316/.367/.572 slash line to go along with 29 HRs and an AL-leading 107 RBIs. His 49 doubles are tied for the league lead with his teammate and fellow MVP Candidate Xander Bogaerts.

Like Bogaerts, Devers’ defense is what holds him back. If Devers can improve his defense, he can be a perennial All Star and MVP candidate. He has already shown signs of improvement after being a defensive liability in 2018. He has drastically improved his UZR, raising it from a horrible -4.5 in 2018 to a serviceable 1.8 this season. At only 22, there is no reason to think he won’t continue to improve.

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