The Major League Baseball season is just over a month old. This season has seen a flurry of top prospects make their debut, and also some veterans taking huge steps in their career. And of course, some of the best players are still proving why they’re the best. Let’s take a look at some of the MVP candidates after the month of April.
American League
Didi Gregorius: The New York Yankees’ shortstop has flown under the radar, but had a tremendous first month of the season. Gregorius hits in a lineup that features Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez, but he has been by far the best hitter for the Yanks. Gregorius is top 10 in most offensive categories, and leads the American League in both home runs and RBI’s. With Stanton and Sanchez off to slow starts, Gregorius has kept the Yankees offense afloat. If Gregorius keeps up this pace, he could very easily finish as the AL MVP.
Manny Machado: Machado entered this season amid a ton of trade rumors, but they have not slowed him down to start the year. The Orioles’ shortstop is third in the American League in WAR after one month, and is proving just how valuable he would be to a contending team. Machado is hitting .366 on the young season while also smashing 9 home runs and driving in 23 runs. The Orioles have gotten off to a horrible start as a team, but Machado has done his part offensively.
Mookie Betts: The Boston Red Sox got off to a historic start this season, and outfielder Mookie Betts was a big reason why. Betts, and the Red Sox, have cooled off in the last week, but his numbers still place him among the league’s best. Betts leads the American League in runs and is second in OPS behind Gregorius. The young outfielder has a bright future, but already has MVP potential this year.
National League
A.J. Pollock: The Arizona Diamondbacks are off to a great start to the 2018 season, and A.J. Pollock has been a big reason why. Pollock is tied for the league lead in home runs with 10, and is tied for 2nd in the league in runs batted in. The Diamondbacks feature a terrific pitching staff, but Pollock has carried the team offensively. His 1.052 OPS is second only to Bryce Harper after the Month of April. If Pollock continues his strong play at the plate then the Diamondbacks might be the team to beat in the NL West.
Javier Baez: The free-swinging Javier Baez, has cut down on his strikeouts this season and the results have been tremendous. Baez leads the National League in RBI’s with 26 and has also hit 7 home runs. With many of the other Cubs players struggling to begin the season, Baez was able to keep the Cubs above .500. Baez has also continued to play sparkling defense this season while also wreaking havoc on the basepaths. The Cubs young star is finally playing up to his full potential.
Bryce Harper: It should not be a surprise to see Bryce Harper’s name on this list. The Nationals star leads the National League in many offensive categories, including walks. Harper has been walked 39 times this season and sports a .464 on base percentage. If the Nationals can get some protection behind Harper, then his power numbers increase. Harper is proving once again why he is considered one of the best young players in all of baseball. If the Nationals are going to repeat as NL East champs, it will be Harper that gets them there.
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