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2023 AL MVP Power Rankings: Surprise dark horses join familiar leaderboard

By Marci Rubin

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 19: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates his RBI double behind Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 19, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 19: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates his RBI double behind Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 19, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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May 20, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a home run to right field against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a home run to right field against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 AL MVP predictions: 3. Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros), the challenger

Yordan Alvarez is making a case to be near the top of the AL MVP voting. He’s the Houston Astros’ hottest hitter. The 2019 AL Rookie of the Year is primarily a DH, but he also plays left field. It comes as no surprise that recent odds have Alvarez with the third-best odds for AL MVP. Following an injury-plagued 2022, the key for Alvarez this season is staying healthy so that he can contribute.

The Astros count on Alvarez to drive in runs. He was the first player to reach 50 RBI this season. Alvarez hit the 50 RBI mark by blasting a home run off of Shohei Ohtani. He has 15 HRs and a .957 OPS through the first third of the season and had a 1.006 OPS for the month of May. Alvarez is slashing .274/.389/.568 this season. He’s currently third in wRC+ in the MLB according to FanGraphs. He’s also worked hard on his defense so that he can contribute when he plays the outfield. Alvarez has a strong arm and an accurate throw. His ability to play the field gives the Astros more lineup flexibility when they want to give someone else a day at DH.

Just over a third of the way through the season, the Astros are currently second in the AL West just behind the Texas Rangers. They’re expected to make another deep playoff run following their 2022 World Series win. Alvarez will be a big factor for the Astros in their pursuit of another championship. He brings star power to Houston’s lineup.

If it wasn’t for Shohei Ohtani, Alvarez would be the most valuable player in the AL West right now. With the dominance of Ohtani and Aaron Judge, Alvarez is up against stiff competition in the AL. Some argue that Alvarez is the best hitter in the MLB, even better than Aaron Judge. Because of what Judge can do in the outfield and what Ohtani can do on the mound, it’s a tough hill to climb for a DH to surpass their value. Alvarez is challenging the top players, though, and he deserves to be recognized for it as a finalist for the MVP award. If Alvarez continues to rake, he’ll solidify his place as one of the best players in the American League.

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