The Most Valuable Player race is starting to heat up as playoff races for some divisions, and wild card slots are getting close. For these following players, they have the resumes to try and win the MVP as the season draws to an end.
Jose Altuve-Houston Astros
Altuve is a hitting machine. Altuve is hitting a major league best .362, which is 42 points higher than his teammate Carlos Correa. He has 162 hits with 18 Home Runs and 65 runs batted in. Altuve has a whopping .996 on base percentage/slugging percentage, meaning he nearly makes it on base once every game.
That is incredible. His 26 stolen bases are also a plus. For a non-power hitter, Altuve is giving himself a shot to win the award.
Aaron Judge-New York Yankees
The hot bat has cooled a little bit for Judge, but he still has a .289 batting average and 35 home runs for the Yankees. Judge has an incredible on base percentage/slugging percentage at 1.026, which leads the major leagues. The Yankees are battling for a playoff spot. If Judge can have a magical September, he could put his name back in the leadoff spot.
Nelson Cruz-Seattle Mariners
Cruz has been the offensive juggernaut for the Mariners. Seattle has been on a roll as the team is making a run at the wild card spot and making the postseason for the first time since the 2001 season.
Cruz has 28 home runs and a major league leading 94 runs batted in. His batting average is high as well at .289. Even though he is a designated hitter, Cruz should get some votes this season if the Mariners make the playoffs.
Mike Moustakas-Kansas City Royals
Another team that is battling for the wild card spot is the Royals.
Moustakas has had a career year at the right time as he is set to be a free agent. The Royals rolled the dice at the trade deadline, and they should be happy with the result. Moustakas has 34 home runs and 75 runs batted in. He has played relatively good defense as well. The Royals hope to make one last run with this core in tact, while Moustakas could win some hardware.
Khris Davis-Oakland Athletics
Even though Davis may not be a contender for the award realistically, he should deserve some credit. The Athletics are the worst team in the division, but if Davis was on a contender, he would help a team win some games. Davis owns a state line of 32 home runs, 82 runs batted in, and 70 runs scored. His batting average is low, but Davis is the real deal as a power hitter. He does not deserve to win the top award, but he deserves to get some votes and finish in the top ten.
