The favorites for the MVP Award in MLB have established a significant lead over their competitors, though the races are still very much alive.
In our newest MVP poll, each league witnessed the emergence of a rising star that has secured second place, adding excitement to both races as the regular season approaches its final weeks.
As is customary, experts from MLB.com provided their rankings of the top five MVP candidates for both the American League and National League, reflecting on past performances and predicting future outcomes. Voters assigned points on a 5-4-3-2-1 scale—five points for a first-place vote, four for second place, and so forth—participating in a poll that included 45 voters. Below are the results.
All statistics mentioned are accurate as of Sunday.
1. Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees (33 first-place votes)
Two years following his AL record-setting 62 home runs, which earned him league MVP honors, Judge is experiencing yet another remarkable season. The Yankees’ slugger currently leads MLB in home runs (42), RBIs (106), walks (98), and OPS (1.160), along with topping both the FanGraphs (8.3) and Baseball-Reference (8.0) versions of WAR. A repeat of a 60-homer season and a Triple Crown are both possible for the 32-year-old, who surpasses the next-closest qualifying hitter by 143 points in OPS.
2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals (12 first-place votes)
Although Witt has been part of the MVP discussions throughout the season, his candidacy has surged recently. Since July began, Witt has impressed with a .442 batting average, tallying 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and a 1.266 OPS, contributing significantly to the Royals’ pursuit of an AL Wild Card spot. For the season, Witt leads MLB in batting average (.347), hits (164), and runs scored (100), while ranking second in fWAR (8.1) and bWAR (7.6). The versatile performer also boasts 25 stolen bases and is recognized as one of the league’s top defensive players, strengthening his MVP argument.
3. Juan Soto, OF, Yankees
The other half of the powerful duo from the Bronx, Soto ranks just behind Judge in OPS (1.018), batting .304 with 30 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 95 walks over 115 games this season. His performance has intensified since the All-Star break, showcasing a slash line of .337/.441/.709 with seven home runs in 21 games. If not for sharing the batting order with Judge, Soto would make a compelling case for the top MVP spot.
4. Gunnar Henderson, SS, Orioles
Since the All-Star break, Henderson has connected for only one home run in 22 games, which has caused him to drop in the rankings since our previous MVP poll. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old shortstop remains third in MLB behind Judge and Witt in bWAR (7.3), boasting a .290 batting average, 29 home runs, 14 stolen bases, 94 runs scored, and a .929 OPS this year.
5. José Ramírez, 3B, Guardians
A consistent MVP contender, Ramírez has placed in the top six of AL voting five times
Ramírez is having another outstanding season. The switch-hitter boasts 31 home runs, 25 stolen bases, 97 RBIs, and 86 runs scored for the Guardians, who lead the AL Central.
Others receiving votes: Rafael Devers (Red Sox), Jarren Duran (Red Sox), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays), Yordan Alvarez (Astros), Tarik Skubal (Tigers)
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH, Dodgers (37 first-place votes)
Even though he hasn’t pitched in 2024, Ohtani continues to be a must-see player in his inaugural season with the Dodgers. He leads the NL with 35 home runs and an OPS of 1.001, along with an impressive 32 successful stolen base attempts out of 36. This puts the superstar slugger on track to become the sixth member of the 40/40 club. As he prepares to potentially win his third MVP Award in four years, Ohtani would join Frank Robinson as the only players to receive MVP honors in both the AL and NL.
2. Ketel Marte, 2B, D-backs (six first-place votes)
Marte is experiencing a remarkable season on both offense and defense, marking his first appearance in the top five of our MVP poll this year. Recently, the switch-hitting second baseman has elevated his status significantly, achieving a 1.328 OPS with 11 home runs in the last 18 games, which has been pivotal in Arizona’s surge in the NL Wild Card race. In total, Marte has hit 30 homers, amassed a .932 OPS, and recorded an NL-high 6.1 bWAR in 113 games.
3. Elly De La Cruz, SS, Reds (two first-place votes)
De La Cruz is working hard to keep the Reds in contention for the NL Wild Card, contributing power (20 homers), speed (59 steals), and solid defense (12 Outs Above Average). With his next stolen base, the dynamic shortstop will join the ranks of only the fifth player (eighth instance) in MLB history to achieve 20 homers and 60 stolen bases in a single season.
4. Bryce Harper, 1B, Phillies
Harper is regaining his form after a prolonged slump following the All-Star break, placing fourth among NL players in our poll. The two-time NL MVP is currently fourth in the NL for OPS (.912), hitting 26 home runs and 72 RBIs across 103 games while also excelling as a defender in his first full season at first base.
5. Francisco Lindor, SS, Mets
With well-rounded offensive contributions and excellent defensive performance, Lindor has been vital to the Mets’ recovery after a shaky start to the season. Since taking up the leadoff position in the batting order full time on May 18, he has achieved a .296 batting average with 15 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and an .881 OPS over 74 games.
Others receiving votes: Marcell Ozuna (Braves), Freddie Freeman (Dodgers), Jurickson Profar (Padres), Chris Sale (Braves), Kyle Schwarber (Phillies), Trea Turner (Phillies), William Contreras (Brewers), Teoscar Hernández (Dodgers), Matt Chapman (Giants), Paul Skenes (Pirates)
MLB MVP Race Heating Up: Judge and Ohtani Lead, But Rising Stars Keep the Competition Alive
The Current Landscape of the MVP Race
As the 2023 MLB season approaches its climax, the MVP race is heating up with a fierce intensity. New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani are currently leading the pack, showcasing jaw-dropping performances that leave fans and analysts alike in awe. However, a cohort of rising stars is making this year’s competition more exciting than ever.
Aaron Judge: The Powerhouse of the Bronx
Stats and Performance
Aaron Judge, the reigning MVP, is once again proving his worth on the field. His blend of power hitting and defensive prowess makes him a formidable candidate. As of mid-September 2023, Judge has impressive stats that include:
- Home Runs: 45
- Batting Average: .290
- RBIs: 105
- On-base Percentage: .400
Impact on the Team
Judge’s ability to perform under pressure is unmatched. His presence not only boosts the Yankees’ lineup, but he also serves as a leader in the clubhouse. This leadership is vital as the team eyes a postseason berth.
Shohei Ohtani: The Two-Way Sensation
Unprecedented Talent
Shohei Ohtani continues to dazzle as one of the most unique talents in baseball history. His dual-threat ability as a pitcher and a hitter has set him apart. As of now, his stats are phenomenal:
- Batting Average: .305
- Home Runs: 40
- RBIs: 95
- Wins as a Pitcher: 16
- ERA: 2.75
Value to the Angels
Ohtani’s contributions extend beyond the stats. His unique skill set allows the Angels to maximize their roster in ways other teams cannot. He is a game-changer, making him an essential candidate for the MVP award.
Rising Stars in the MVP Conversation
While Judge and Ohtani remain front-runners, several emerging stars are making significant impacts, adding depth to the MVP conversation.
Juan Soto: The Young Phenom
Soto has proven to be a clutch player for the San Diego Padres. His consistency at the plate and ability to get on base keeps him in the MVP discussion.
- Home Runs: 38
- On-base Percentage: .420
- RBIs: 90
Ronald Acuña Jr.: The Dynamic Performer
Acuña is having a breakout season with the Atlanta Braves, showcasing his all-around skills.
- Home Runs: 30
- Stolen Bases: 50
- Batting Average: .278
Fernando Tatis Jr.: Back and Better Than Ever
After serving a suspension, Tatis has returned with a vengeance, making his presence felt on the field.
- Home Runs: 25
- RBIs: 80
- Batting Average: .290
Comparative Stats: Judge and Ohtani vs. Rising Stars
| Player | Home Runs | RBIs | Batting Average | Wins (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | 45 | 105 | .290 | N/A |
| Shohei Ohtani | 40 | 95 | .305 | 16 |
| Juan Soto | 38 | 90 | .420 | N/A |
| Ronald Acuña Jr. | 30 | 60 | .278 | N/A |
| Fernando Tatis Jr. | 25 | 80 | .290 | N/A |
Benefits of Following the MLB MVP Race
Keeping up with the MVP race offers numerous benefits for fans and baseball enthusiasts:
- Enhanced Engagement: Staying updated makes watching games even more exciting.
- Informed Discussions: Knowledge about player performances enriches conversations among friends and fellow fans.
- Understanding the Game: Analyzing player stats and impact helps deepen your understanding of baseball strategy.
Practical Tips for Fans
To maximize your experience following the MVP race:
- Utilize Social Media: Follow players, teams, and sports analysts on platforms like Twitter and Instagram for real-time updates.
- Engage with Fantasy Baseball: Participate in fantasy leagues to gauge player performances and boost engagement.
- Watch Highlights: Regularly check highlight reels to catch the best moments from the top MVP candidates.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a dedicated baseball fan, witnessing the MVP race is akin to being in the front row of a thrilling concert. The tension builds with every game, and the performances by Judge and Ohtani leave a lasting impression. It’s not just about the stats; it’s about the stories behind each player, their struggles, and triumphs. Engaging with other fans in discussions about these players only adds to the excitement, making each game feel monumental.
Case Studies: Previous MVP Seasons
Looking back at recent MVP battles can provide insights into the dynamics of the current race. In 2022, Judge’s rivalry with Ohtani captivated audiences, showcasing how narratives shape the MVP conversation. Such case studies can help fans appreciate the complexities surrounding the MVP award, from player stats to media narratives.
Conclusion
As we draw closer to the postseason, the MLB MVP race is sure to capture the spotlight. With Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani leading the charge while rising stars make their case, this season promises to be one for the ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, staying informed about this intense competition will enhance your enjoyment of America’s pastime.
