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MLB Awards Watch: Josh Donaldson, Todd Frazier mount charge

By Brad Rowland

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Josh Donaldson, 3B Toronto Blue Jays – Donaldson is always in the conversation for “best MLB third baseman” by nature of his stellar defense and quality bat, but he is on a rampage right now. The former Oakland A’s standout has six home runs in his last six games, and during that time period, Donaldson has posted a 1.240 slugging percentage. That lifts the 29-year-old to the AL lead with a 3.2 fWAR, and it is tough to argue against a player with a .312/.372/.604 slash line and 15 home runs with Platinum Glove-caliber defense.
  2. Miguel Cabrera, 1B Detroit Tigers – Miggy just keeps hitting. Cabrera easily leads the AL with a .441 on-base percentage across 220 plate appearances, and the power is back as well, with 11 home runs and a .579 slugging percentage. There is a real argument to be made that the former MVP is currently the best hitter in the American League, but unfortunately, his subpar defense will always be an issue with regard to MVP consideration.
  3. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – When all else fails, default to Mike Trout. There is a logjam of quality candidates behind Donaldson (the clear leader), with Cabrera and Trout joined by Stephen Vogt, Jason Kipnis and even Nelson Cruz. However, Trout is always the safe choice, and he has been tremendous once again this season, with 13 home runs, 8 stolen bases and elite outfield defense.
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