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MLB MVP ranking: Mookie Betts jumps out to an early season lead

By Adam Strangis

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 17: Mookie Betts
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 17: Mookie Betts /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: Didi Gregorius #18 of the New York Yankees celebrates his single in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on April 24, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: Didi Gregorius #18 of the New York Yankees celebrates his single in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on April 24, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Didi Gregorius, New York Yankees

.347/.442/.787 with 8 HR and 27 RBI

Everyone reading this list had to assume that there would be a Yankee on it. That’s certainly not the surprise. The surprise is that it’s not one of the big three bombers in Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge or Gary Sanchez. It’s none other than their shortstop Didi Gregorius. He’s flat out mashing so far in 2018 and batting smack in-between Judge and Stanton certainly has its advantages. Sanchez has been batting fifth which doesn’t hurt either. Gregorius has taken full advantage of his lineup spot and is leading baseball in RBI.

The Yankee shortstop would have to be in the running for the MVP in part because of his sheer numbers. He’s walking more and striking out less. Both of his hard contact rate and fly ball rate have seen huge jumps so far as well. It’s come at a great time for New York because their new addition in Stanton and Sanchez have both been ice cold throughout the season so far. Stanton has already been booed in Yankee Stadium in the middle of a five strikeout performance. Gregorius has been the heartbeat of the Yankees and that’s always going to get you in the discussion for the MVP.

Of all the players on the list for April, Gregorius might be the most likely to not be on it by the end of the season. Make no mistake, he’s a very good player. He’s just hitting at an unsustainable pace given his career arc. He will also not only have to fend off other players from other teams, but players from his own team are going to be there as well. Judge is already hitting well. Stanton is not going to hit this poorly for much longer. Gregorius deserves the accolades now but we’ll see where he ends up.

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