Fansided

Top 10 AL MVP candidates in a shortened MLB season

By Scott Edwards

ST PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 14: Mike Trout #27 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels get ready to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 14, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 14: Mike Trout #27 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels get ready to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 14, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics runs to first base after hitting a two-run homerun during the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics runs to first base after hitting a two-run homerun during the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

3B. 96. Scouting Report. Oakland A's. Matt Chapman. 9. player. Pick Analysis

If you are only a general baseball fan who follows there team and knows a few of the top players, you probably came by the name Matt Chapman and asked “who?” Well, he happens to be the best defensive player in all of baseball. He also has 40-plus home run power in his repertoire. Playing in Oakland has never been good for a player, but much like Josh Donaldson did almost a decade ago, he will make his name known.

Chapman has been a master of producing a high WAR the past two seasons through his impeccable defense and improving bat. He produced a WAR of 8.3 last season, which happened to be .1 higher than Mike Trout, the AL MVP. Chapman’s mix of game-changing defense and hulking power is what makes him such an important player to not only the Athletics but the league.

The 27-year-old third baseman was a late bloomer but is a two-time gold and platinum glove winner. His skill at the hot corner not only rivals Nolan Arenado’s but perhaps ups it.

In his first full season in the MLB (2018), Chapman finished seventh in the MVP race. Something that no one was talking about at the time. So last year he got better with the bat and rose up the list. With 36 home runs, 91 RBI, and the unmatchable glove, he finished in sixth.

The fact that it’s a 60 game season can work into his chances. A hot two months with his bat can get him the AL MVP award and his team back into the playoffs for another year. People may not know who Chapman is yet despite his heroics and dominance on the diamond, but 2020 presents itself to be the perfect time for them to learn.

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