Last week we posted some predictions as to who we thought would be the top pitcher at the end of the year. Well now is the time for us to make our MVP predictions. With nothing being certain with the MLB season coming to an end, there are definitely some players who have been brilliant, more so than the rest.
Here are our predictions for the MVP brass within each respective league:
American League:
Mike Trout: I like Trout for the MVP and Rookie-of-the-Year honours. Trout has been solid all season, and has maintained the top batting average in the AL at .333 and a solid 25 HRs – not a bad stat for a guy in his first year. While the Angels have some of the top talent in the league, Trout has been a key ingredient to team success.
Josh Hamilton: I still like Hamilton for the top AL honour at the end of the season. While batting under .300 (closer to .290), he leads the AL in RBIs at 113 and is one of the top home run hitters in the league with 37. Given that the Rangers look playoff bound this season I think it is hard to deny that Hamilton was a key ingredient in their team’s recipe.
Miguel Cabrera: Cabrera has been consistent all season, and sits just behind Trout for the top average in the AL at .331. Cabrera has also batted the ball out of the park 33 times this season, while also maintaining impressive RBI tally at 111. While Miguel doesn’t lead the league in any respective category, he is in the top five in many, making him a very well-rounded hitter.
National League:
Andrew McCutchen: McCutchen is having a record season this year. He maintains what I consider to be the top average in the National League right now at .344 (I don’t count Melky Cabrera). McCutchen has also posted a solid 168 hits, 80 RBIs and 24 homeruns. Similar to Miguel Cabrera, he leads few categories, but is in the top five across many.
Ryan Braun: Braun has been overlooked by many on these types of lists, but I realistically think he should be considered a top selection for the NL MVP. Batting a solid .310 this season, he also boasts 37 HRs and 95 RBIs (both of which are tops in the NL). He has really been an integral component to the Milwuakee club this season and warrants consideration.
Buster Posey: Posey is my underdog pick on this list, but I think he has real shot at MVP honours at the end of the season. With a .329 batting average he is one of the top hitters in the NL right now. Add to that solid batting average 19 homeruns and 83 RBIs, and I think you have a solid candidate on your hands. He’s been even hotter as of late, hitting .348 in the last week, meaning he could make a late season run, and with Cabrera out of the line-up he has really stepped up.
* Please note: I left Melky Cabrera off this list given his recent suspension.
It has been an exciting year for hitters this year. I am going to enjoy watching out the rest of this season. While this list is by no means exhaustive, I do think these are the top players right now. There is a good chance that we could also see other late season contenders emerge from the dust.
… and that is the last word.
