Fansided

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 23, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 AL MVP predictions: 1. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), the reigning MVP

After receiving the AL MVP honor in 2022, Aaron Judge is a contender to win the MVP award in back-to-back years. 2022 was a tough act to follow considering Judge’s AL record-breaking 62 home run season. This season, following a bit of a slower start than he hoped for and a stint on the IL with a hip injury, the captain of the New York Yankees had some ground to make up. He delivered, of course, forcing his way back into the conversation and sending whispers around the MLB fanbase about whether or not he could repeat as the MVP.

Judge had an incredible May, earning AL Player of the Month. In 76 at-bats, Judge slashed .342/.474/.882. He had a 1.356 OPS with 26 hits, 12 home runs, and 25 RBIs. Judge is currently batting .291 with 40 RBI and 19 home runs this season. He leads MLB with 188 wRC+ according to FanGraphs. Judge also plays phenomenal defense in right field and center field. He doesn’t just hit home runs — he also takes them away. The Yankees are hoping Judge will stay off the IL following a recent fence-crashing catch where he injured his toe. Judge puts on a master class in the outfield with highlight reel-worthy defense.

The leadership of the captain is critical for the Yankees on and off the field. Judge carried the team on his back at times last season. He expects to help the Yankees make another deep playoff run following their ALCS loss to the Astros in 2022. The Yankees had a rough April this season, but with Judge’s help after he returned from a brief IL stint, they came roaring back in May. The Yankees are a different team with Judge in the lineup. He’s the hitter who pitchers should fear.

The player to beat is Shohei Ohtani. The conversation revolved around Judge and Ohtani last season, but Judge put together such an incredible year that there really was no question who deserved the number one spot. This year, Ohtani is the favorite, but Judge is having another season that makes it hard to envision anyone else but the reigning AL MVP taking the crown again. If Judge continues to play the way he’s been playing, he’ll win AL MVP again.

Keep an eye on the top names in the 2023 AL MVP race the rest of the season. The players will continue to impress.

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