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MLB Awards Watch: Dallas Keuchel leads jam-packed race for AL Cy Young

By Brad Rowland

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) drives in a run with a double against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) drives in a run with a double against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – Trout has slipped to third in the AL in home runs (33), but that is just about the only knock against him. He ranks near the top of the list in every possible category, and Trout leads the pack in fWAR (6.7) to confirm his overall value. No one combines the power, speed and defense in the same way, and even with a loaded field, he’s the choice.
  2. Josh Donaldson, 3B Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays are the hottest team on the planet and Donaldson is their best player. That, by itself, does not vault Donaldson to the top of the list, but 31 home runs, a .560 slugging percentage and elite defense at the hot corner will do the trick. Toronto fans may be irrational about Donaldson when it compares to Trout, but he’s been better than everyone else.
  3. Manny Machado, 3B Baltimore Orioles – This could go in a number of different directions, with players like Kansas City’s Lorenzo Cain who are worthy of inclusion. I’ll take Machado, however, as the youngster is experiencing a massive breakout season with 25 home runs and 15 stolen bases. That profile would be good enough for recognition on its own, but Machado is arguably better than Donaldson with the glove, and the overall package is wildly strong.
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