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MLB Awards Watch: The Explosion of Bryce Harper

By Brad Rowland

Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) watches a foul ball during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) watches a foul ball during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Nelson Cruz, OF/DH Seattle Mariners – If defense wasn’t a thing, this would be a runaway. As such, defense does matter, and only a scorching-hot pace at the plate keeps Nelson Cruz ahead of his counterparts, given that his abilities in run prevention leave a lot to be desired. Still, Cruz leads MLB with 15 home runs, and his .340/.395/.694 slash line (203 wRC+) speaks for itself. Personally, I don’t see a 60-home run season in the offing, but Cruz is on that pace and it must be acknowledged.
  2. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – Trout has been BABIP’d a bit recently, with his batting average dipping to .277. However, the reigning MVP already has 10 home runs and 7 stolen bases to go with top-flight defense, and it isn’t as if his numbers (.377 OBP, .540 slugging) are ugly enough to remove him from serious contention. Frankly, it would be a shock if Trout wasn’t in the top three all season.
  3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B Detroit Tigers – Remember when people were kicking dirt on Miggy? Well, he has responded. The former MVP has 10 home runs to go along with a sparkling .333/.438/.610 slash line in 39 games, and Cabrera’s offense is back to resembling his peak. Defense is going to be an issue (much like Cruz), but if Cabrera hits 40 home runs with an OBP over .400, he’ll be near the mix.

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