Fansided

MLB Awards Watch: Dexter Fowler is having himself a season

By Brad Rowland

Apr 24, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler (left) acknowledges the crowd after the Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds 9-0 at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler (left) acknowledges the crowd after the Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds 9-0 at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 15, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) hits a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Detroit Tigers defeated Baltimore Orioles 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) hits a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Detroit Tigers defeated Baltimore Orioles 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

AL MVP

  1. Manny Machado, 3B Baltimore Orioles – It is pretty difficult to argue with an elite offensive player who happens to be incredible defensively and on a playoff-bound team (if the season ended today). Machado has been ludicrously good in 2016, blasting 11 home runs, scoring 30 runs and sporting a .333/.387/.653 slash line to boot. His defense is what pushes Machado over the top for me, but there is plenty to love, and you can pick your particular poison.
  2. Jose Altuve, 2B Houston Astros – I don’t particularly care that the Astros are bad. For one, I don’t believe that Houston will stay bad, and even if they do, Altuve has been so good that he is impossible to ignore. The diminutive second baseman leads MLB in stolen bases with 15, and Altuve also holds the lead in runs scored (37) while taking the crown in both major WAR distinctions. His .340/.430/.627 slash line is probably unsustainable simply based on the slugging outbreak, but nine home runs would be an acceptable season-long total for a player with his skills, and Altuve is doing his best to keep Houston afloat.
  3. Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels – Mike Trout is in the mix for AL MVP? I’m shocked! Okay, I’m not surprised at all, but Trout has earned his way into the discussion yet again by nature of a .317/.406/.556 slash line, eight home runs and elite outfield defense. If there was ever a year in which the Angels would keep Trout from taking home the hardware, this would be it, but I’m firmly opposed to excluding MLB players from the race based on a lack of team success and no one has been more “valuable” than Trout since he arrived on the scene.
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