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MLB Awards Watch: Max Scherzer dominates the National League

By Brad Rowland

Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches in the sixth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches in the sixth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a RBI double during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a RBI double during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – Trout has taken the crown once again. Admittedly, the AL MVP race is wide open right now, but the best player alive has the numbers to make a claim, and he is the default answer until proven otherwise. The powerful outfielder is currently in a tie for the AL lead in home runs (18), and with speed and defense adding into a profile that includes a wRC+ of 169 (2nd in AL), he is the complete package.
  2. Miguel Cabrera, 1B Detroit Tigers – If defense and base-running didn’t matter, Cabrera would be the leader in the clubhouse. Miggy is back to his old tricks as the best pure hitter in the AL, and he leads the league in batting average (.344), on-base percentage (.444), slugging percentage (.595) and wRC+ (186). There is no question that he leaves a lot to be desired in other ways, but Cabrera is going to rake.
  3. Josh Donaldson, 3B Toronto Blue Jays – Much like Trout, Donaldson is the complete package. In fact, Toronto’s cornerstone third baseman actually leads the AL in fWAR (3.9), and the power/defense combination is evident. Donaldson has blasted 17 home runs in 65 games, and he is the best player on a team that is scorching hot with the longest winning streak in the league. Did I mention that he is a Platinum Glove-caliber defender? That helps, too.

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