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MLB Awards Watch: How good is Chris Archer?

By Brad Rowland

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) is congratulated by teammates after he pitched the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) is congratulated by teammates after he pitched the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) and third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) high-five after they scored on a 2 rbi single hit by designated hitter Kendrys Morales (not pictured) in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) and third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) high-five after they scored on a 2 rbi single hit by designated hitter Kendrys Morales (not pictured) in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Lorenzo Cain, OF Kansas City Royals – The Royals are firing on all cylinders at 13-6, and Cain certainly fits the “best player on best team” corollary. Beyond that, though, Cain has a stellar .362/.438/.536 slash line with two home runs and five steals, and the 29-year-old has always been a high-end defender in the outfield. It seems crazy to think that a player of his age could finally be living up to his considerable potential, but April has been kind to Lorenzo Cain.
  2. Adam Jones, OF Baltimore Orioles – Jones is second among all AL hitters in slugging percentage (.708), and because the leader in that category (Nelson Cruz) struggles mightily on the defensive end, we’ll go with Jones in the number two spot, especially due to the fact that he leads the AL in batting average. Baltimore’s leading man has five home runs to go along with his .403/.450/.708 slash line, and Jones continues to shine on a daily basis. The Orioles are just 9-10 on the year, but if the standings fully guide your early-season MVP picks, it’s probably time to re-evaluate.
  3. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – Oh look, Mike Trout is an MVP candidate. The reigning MVP has picked up where he left off in 2014, bashing four home runs and stealing five bases in the first month, and he is the total package. Perhaps the most encouraging development for Trout is in the area of plate discipline, where he has 13 walks and 16 strikeouts, but even if Trout hasn’t “improved”, it isn’t a knock given that he was already the best player alive.

Next: MLB's 20 Richest Players

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