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MLB Awards Watch: Mike Trout and Josh Donaldson battle for AL MVP

By Brad Rowland

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) leaps but can't reach a home run hit by Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (not pictured) in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) leaps but can't reach a home run hit by Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (not pictured) in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reaches on a fielders choice during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reaches on a fielders choice during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Rookie of the Year

  1. Carlos Correa, SS Houston Astros – Correa’s early pace was unsustainable for basically anyone, but his overall numbers are still eye-popping given his age. The uber-prospect holds a .282/.347/.517 slash line with 15 home runs, 11 stolen bases and high-end defense, and even with only a 67-game sample, that is good for a runaway victory.
  2. Francisco Lindor, SS Cleveland Indians – Lindor has the look of a star. His defense is already bordering on elite, which helps to lead to a 2.3 fWAR in 62 games, and if he can just hit enough (110 wRC+), the Indians will be thrilled. Admittedly, a weak rookie crop helps, but Lindor should be considered for the runner-up position.
  3. Nate Karns, SP Tampa Bay Rays – The advanced metrics don’t love Karns, who still boasts only 1.1 fWAR at this point, but 24 starts with a 3.44 ERA in the American League should be honored. Home runs have been a problem for Karns, as he allows 1.13 per 9 innings, but if you can see beyond that, he strikes out nearly a batter per inning and the Rays have relied heavily on his arm throughout an overachieving season.

Next: NL Cy Young

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