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MLB Awards Watch: Felix Hernandez leads stacked AL Cy Young race

By Brad Rowland

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 6, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (right) celebrates with Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (left) after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (right) celebrates with Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (left) after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – Good luck arguing against Mike Trout. The reigning MVP currently leads the AL in fWAR (2.3) while posting a .307/.407/.596 slash line. Throw in 9 home runs and 7 stolen bases (welcome back, speed) and Trout is on track to be a runaway winner yet again. It isn’t as if he couldn’t be caught, but given that the best player on earth is already leading, the rest of the field is in trouble.
  2. Nelson Cruz, OF/DH Seattle Mariners – Cruz continues to display ridiculous power, leading MLB with 14 home runs. That total leads to a .738 slugging percentage, but given how bad Cruz’s defense has been (and will continue to be), his MVP upside is limited. Honestly, Cruz would be better off DH-ing for the rest of the season. Yep.
  3. Stephen Vogt, C/1B Oakland Athletics – Vogt is a foreign name to more casual baseball fans, but the A’s have found a gem here. A slash line of .337/.417/.653 speaks for itself, but Vogt brings power (8 HR), plate discipline and positional flexibility (including catcher) to the table. He has the look of a budding star.

Next: Top 30 Leadoff Hitters of All-Time

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