MLB Power Rankings: 30 best first-time MVP candidates for 2023
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
How he can win the MVP: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the runner-up for the MVP in 2021. He finished 16th this past year but did win a Gold Glove. His offensive numbers went down but it may have just been temporary. Fans love this young man and the writers who get to vote would love the story of this second-generation star winning the MVP.
Why he won’t win the MVP: Guerrero might need to replicate his 2021 season in order to win the award. After leading the league in runs scored, home runs, OBP, slugging, and a few other statistics, the only thing he led in 2022 was double plays grounded into. His 2022 performance might be much closer to what he will give the Blue Jays going forward.
14) MLB Power Rankings: MVP candidate Carlos Correa
How he can win the MVP: Carlos Correa could sign with a variety of different teams. Wherever he lands, expect the team to hope for an MVP performance. Correa’s top finish thus far was fifth in 2021. Signing with the Baltimore Orioles or Chicago Cubs and leading them to the postseason will put him in the MVP chase instantly.
Why he won’t win the MVP: Correa is like a lot of the top shortstops around the league. They are very good and reliable yet not quite MVP material. Correa seems to be the best example of this.
13) MLB Power Rankings: MVP candidate Trea Turner
How he can win the MVP: Yet another free agent shortstop in the MLB Power Rankings of first-time MVP candidates, Trea Turner doesn’t have to sign somewhere and be the biggest difference. What puts him ahead of players like Correa is the excitement factor. Turner can score 100 runs, hit 20 home runs, drive in 80, and steal 30 bases for a contender all while hitting .300. On the right team, he can win his first MVP award.
Why he won’t win the MVP: Turner will probably end up with a team already well-positioned to win. They’ll have other more powerful hitters on the roster. He seems less like a franchise-altering addition and more of a finishing touch.
12) MLB Power Rankings: MVP candidate Kyle Tucker
How he can win the MVP: There needs to be a couple of Houston Astros players on this week’s MLB Power Rankings. Jose Altuve is ineligible. Kyle Tucker is right there with the rest of the league. Tucker is on the rise. He has hit 30 home runs in two straight seasons. Increasing those power totals and officially taking over as one of the most dangerous hitters in Houston is what it will take.
Why he won’t win the MVP: Tucker could easily fall in as the fourth best hitter on the Astros. It’s going to be hard to pull away from them, let alone the rest of the league.
11) MLB Power Rankings: MVP candidate Alex Bregman
How he can win the MVP: Alex Bregman did not have a spectacular season in 2022. Let’s not forget what he can do. He already finished second in 2019 a year after a fifth place spot in 2018. An ability to consistently walk more than he strikes out is a huge help for Bregman. He’ll need to hit more than 23 home runs to overtake his teammates and the rest of the American League.
Why he won’t win the MVP: Bregman hasn’t been quite as elite over the last three years. Like Tucker, he could be the fourth best hitter on the Astros and still have an amazing year.