Fansided

Power ranking the AL MVP candidates following Miguel Cabrera’s injury

By Connor Muldowney

Jun 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) points to the dugout after a double in the second inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) points to the dugout after a double in the second inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 28, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) reacts during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) reacts during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

21. . SP. Tampa Bay Rays. Chris Archer. 3. player

If you’re looking for a new name at the baseball superstar conversation, Chris Archer is your guy. The Tampa Bay Rays have been somewhat of a surprise contender this season, and sit only two games back in the AL East race.

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    • Not many people saw the Rays contending for a division title, but Archer has made that possible with his success on the mound, proving to be nearly un-hittable for opponents.

    Several times this season, he has given up three runs or fewer and recorded either a no decision or a loss thanks to a lack of run support. Because of that, Archer’s record us just 9-5 while about two of those losses could be wiped away and traded for wins.

    Along with a 9-5 record, the 26-year-old starter has turned into the team’s ace by recording a 2.18 ERA and 141 strikeouts.

    Tampa Bay is not out of the playoff race by any means, and as long as they are competitive Archer will be a serious MVP candidate. He moved up on my list because of Cabrera’s injury, and currently has the best shot of any American League pitcher to claim the award.

    Next: 2. Prince Fielder, Rangers

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