Fansided

MLB Awards Watch: Zack Greinke chases Max Scherzer for NL Cy Young

By Brad Rowland

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) following the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) following the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – Even with Harper having the better year, Trout remains my vote for the best player in baseball. He sits in that four-way tie for the MLB home run lead with 27, and a .307/.399/.607 slash line speaks for itself. Throw in speed and defense and Trout is a solid leader right now.
  2. Josh Donaldson, 3B Toronto Blue Jays – Donaldson trails Trout significantly on offense despite 22 home runs and a .530 slugging, but he is arguably the best defensive 3B in the league and that matters. Fans of the Blue Jays have irrational love for Donaldson, but their claim on his MVP candidacy is warranted.
  3. Lorenzo Cain, OF Kansas City Royals – I’m going with Cain over the likes of Manny Machado and Jason Kipnis this week, if only to recognize how absurdly good he has been for the super-fun Royals. He doesn’t have the power (10 home runs) of the other candidates, but a slugging percentage north of .500 is nothing to sneeze at, and Cain is an elite defender with real speed (18 SB). Let’s just agree that there is no shortage of talent in the American League.

More from MLB

Home/MLB