MLB Awards Watch: Corey Seager separates from the pack

OF. Los Angeles Angels. Mike Trout. 1. player. 102. <p>It would be weird if Trout wasn’t the leading MVP candidate. There will probably be a divide between numerically inclined people (ahem, me) and more traditional voters here, but Trout’s numbers are the best in the AL (and, really, all of MLB) and his team’s struggles can’t be put at his feet. Trout has 19 home runs, 17 stolen bases and top-six marks in batting average (.313), on-base percentage (.424) and slugging percentage (.554). That would be impressive for anyone, but when you combine it with all-world defense, come on.</p>

2B. Houston Astros. Jose Altuve. 2. player. 135. <p>I’m not sure anyone could have seen his power outbreak coming, but Altuve was already one of the best players in baseball. Now, he has blasted 17 home runs in less than 450 plate appearances, and the second baseman holds a .572 slugging percentage for the season that places him third in the AL. Altuve’s size certainly isn’t an issue anymore, and he utilizes his speed to the tune of 25 stolen bases and above-average defensive metrics. He’s a stud in every capacity.</p>