It’s Thursday, so that means it’s MVP ranking time! There are many good candidates, but only one can shine. Let’s start with the NL.
NL MVP Rankings
On the Bubble: William Contreras, CJ Abrams, Jurickson Profar, Will Smith, Ranger Suarez
5. Shohei Ohtani – LAD
In a previous article, I wrote about how I thought Ohtani would have a down year due to his Tommy John Surgery. Clearly, he isn’t interested in a down year. In 149 plate appearances, Ohtani is hitting .336/.399/.618 with 7 home runs and 19 RBIs. He’ll return to the top three conversations when he returns to pitch next year.
4. Marcell Ozuna – ATL
There is only one DH outperforming Ohtani right now, and that is Marcell Ozuna. In 124 plate appearances, Ozuna is hitting .321/.403/.624 with an NL-leading 9 home runs and 32 RBIs. On a start-studded offense, Ozuna hits guys in the left and right.
3. Elly De La Cruz – CIN
Elly De La Cruz has been electric for Cincinnati so far in 2024. He started 2023 hot but then slowly faded. Now, he looks better than ever. In 2024, Elly is hitting .280/.389/.579 with 8 home runs, 19 RBIs and 18 stolen bases! Acuna might have company in the 40/70 club.
2. Alec Bohm – PHI
The Alec Bohm that Phillies fans have been waiting for has arrived. Don’t get me wrong; he was still very good last season, but this year is incredible. Through 32 games, Bohm is hitting .362/.432/.586 with 4 home runs and 30 RBIs. He has settled in nicely, hitting in the four-hole.
1. Mookie Betts – LAD
Betts moved to shortstop in Spring Training, and I guess he decided to turn back the clock to 2018. He is hitting incredibly well right now. Through 33 games, Betts is hitting .377/.481/.632 with 6 home runs and 25 RBIs. He leads the NL in batting average, on-base percentage, OPS, hits, walks, and OPS+ with a 212 OPS+. If the season ended today, he should receive all 30 votes for first place.
AL MVP Rankings
On the Bubble: Bobby Witt Jr, Steven Kwan, Ryan Jeffers, Adolis Garcia, Mike Trout
5. Gunnar Henderson – BAL
Henderson found his power early this season and is using it effectively. In 30 games, Henderson is hitting .281/.346/.603 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs. If he keeps hitting like this, he’ll add another Silver Slugger to his name.
4. Kyle Tucker – HOU
Kyle Tucker is off to a hot start in 2024, and I feel like I haven’t seen a single highlight of him. Through 136 plate appearances, Tucker is hitting .298/.407/.570 with 8 home runs and 21 RBIs. The next time you read this, I’m sure he’ll have hit a few more home runs, and you won’t recall them.
3. Jose Altuve – HOU
The Astros may be struggling (besides Kyle Tucker), but Altuve is undoubtedly not. Through 137 plate appearances, Altuve is hitting .341/.409/.585 with 7 home runs but only 10 RBIs. He also leads the AL in doubles with 9. Altuve may be in contention for another batting title.
2. Salvador Perez – KC
Salvy is back with a vengeance. He is a big part of why the Royals are doing so well to start the season. Through 122 plate appearances, Perez is hitting .355/.418/.591 with 7 home runs and an AL-leading 27 RBIs. At 34, Perez finds himself in the MVP conversation again.
1. Juan Soto – NYY
I would say he looks comfortable in the Bronx. Through his first 32 games, Soto is hitting .325/.439/.575 with 8 home runs and 25 RBIs. Unsurprisingly, his on-base percentage is the best in the AL. Get the checkbook out, New York, because if the season ended today, he would be the AL MVP.
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