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MLB Awards Watch: Bryce Harper is the NL MVP… right?

By Brad Rowland

Washington Nationals center fielder Bryce Harper (34) at bat against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals center fielder Bryce Harper (34) at bat against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits a ball that went for a ground rule double against Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits a ball that went for a ground rule double against Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Josh Donaldson, 3B Toronto Blue Jays – We have a new number one. Donaldson now leads the AL in fWAR (7.4) by a considerable margin over his challengers, and with 36 home runs and 101 runs scored, it is easy to see why. His defense is what sets him apart from the competition, with a Gold-Glove level profile at third base, but the full package and the fact that Toronto is on fire is what would likely carry Donaldson to the crown if the season ended today.
  2. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – The August swoon is real. Trout has been the leader all season long, but a slash line of .218/.352/.337 with just one home run in 122 plate appearances during the month has knocked him from the top spot this week. That isn’t to say that Trout is incapable of reclaiming the glory in the final month, but his comfortable lead in offense over Donaldson has evaporated, and Donaldson boasts advantages with the glove and with voters who care about team success.
  3. Manny Machado, 3B Baltimore Orioles – Machado made his season debut at shortstop on Monday, and that is super interesting… for next year. At this point, it is a two-man race for AL MVP, and even with players like Nelson Cruz and Lorenzo Cain joining Machado with theoretical cases, it would take a miracle run to close the gap. As for Machado, his value could skyrocket next season as a full-time shortstop, but for now, a breakout season with 26 home runs, 16 stolen bases and uber-elite defense at third base will have to do.
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