2019 MLB Season: AL MVP Update
Carlos Santana, CLE, 1B
The 33-year-old is having the best season of his career. After being traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he spent the first eight seasons of his career, Carlos Santana has managed to put together an impressive season that will catch the eyes of AL MVP voters.
Through 147 games, Santana is batting .280 with an OPS of .925. He has 34 home runs, 89 RBI, and has scored 102 times and has walked 103 times, which all rank top ten in the American League. His presence in Cleveland’s order has been vital towards their success.
The Indians really missed his power and were happy to have him back in the middle of their lineup in 2019. Santana’s success was huge, especially because Jose Ramirez had a big downfall from his elite play last season.
With 12 games left in the 2019 regular season, the Cleveland Indians are 1.5 games back of the last Wild Card spot. If Santana goes on a tear, dominates these last two weeks, and lead the Indians to the postseason, he will definitely have a heavy narrative to win AL MVP.
This award could be decided by the last few weeks of the year due to Trout’s injury. Players like Santana have something special to play for, a chance to make the playoffs and do some damage in October.