The MLB season is actually already past the mid-way point, but with the All-Star break now here, it's a perfect time to take a look at the American League MVP race. It's a fairly tight race for the award, although much can change between now and the end of the season.
We've narrowed it down to the top eight contenders for the AL MVP below, although there are still a few players who could enter the discussion before the end of the season. There isn't much difference between the players here, especially in the Top 3. With that in mind, here are the AL MVP Mid-Season Power Rankings.
8. Robinson Cano, 2B, Mariners
Cano is like many of the players on this list; he's putting up impressive numbers in multiple departments. The 33-year-old has 21 homers, already the most he's had since 2013. He's at 58 RBIs so far, with 23 doubles. His batting average is .313 and his OBP is .368. He's hit a bit of a rough patch in recent weeks, which is why he's lower than he would have been a few weeks ago, but he does lead with 202 total bases.
7. Ian Desmond, OF, Rangers
For a late addition in free agency, Desmond is among the best FA moves this season. He's posting solid numbers across the board, with 15 home runs, 55 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, a .322 batting average and .375 OBP. His switch to the outfield from the infield has been surprisingly smooth as well.
6. Manny Machado, 3B, Orioles
Machado has regressed a bit lately, but he's still putting together an impressive season. He has 19 homers already, plus a .318 batting average. He's not walking as much as some of the players above him, but the defense is still there. After 20 stolen bases last year, Machado has zero. He's played both third and shortstop this year and played well at both.
5. Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox
Much like Machado, Bogaerts has cooled off over the last few weeks, and that's dropped him a bit. He had an impressive hitting streak earlier this season, although he's fallen back to a .329 batting average. That's still very impressive, as is his 10 homers, 56 RBIs and .388 OBP.
4. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
Ortiz will get a boost in the sentimental department, since this is his last season. But he's playing great, especially for a 40-year-old. He already has 22 homers and 72 RBIs and is easily on pace for his fourth straight 40 home run, 100 RBI season. He's hitting .332, his best mark since 2007. His slugging percentage of .682 is a career mark, as his 1.107 OPS. All three of those, and his 34 doubles, are league-bests at the moment.
3. Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros
Here's the first of three players with little separation at the top. Altuve is having easily his best season. While he's not the defensive player the two players above him, Altuve is crushing it with his bat. He's hitting a league-best .341 with a .413 OBP. He's almost matched his season-record for home runs with 14 and has 51 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. Altuve is very much in the mix for the AL MVP. There's a real argument that he should be at the top.
2. Mike Trout, OF, Angels
Trout might be the best player in the AL, but he's still behind Donaldson (just like last year). He's racked up 18 homers, 58 RBIs and 15 stolen bases this year and could push for a 30-30 season. He's also hitting an .322 with a .425 OBP. But Trout trails Donaldson because the Angels are stuck in last place in the AL West. That will affect how MVP voters view Trout. Switch the teams for Trout and Donaldson, and Trout is clearly at the top.
1. Josh Donaldson, 3B, Blue Jays
Donaldson is the defending champion, and he's having another great season. He already has 23 home runs and 63 RBIs. He's hit an impressive .304 and has a blistering .418 OBP. Donaldson isn't the best player in the American League, but he gets the nod over Trout because Donaldson plays for a team that is actually winning.
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