The 2018 Major League Baseball season has reached the halfway point, and the playoff races are heating up in each league. Potential MVP candidates are also starting to emerge in each league, and odds have been updated to reflect these races. Let’s take a look at the updated odds to win the MVP Award in the American League.
Mike Trout (Angels) +300
It is no surprise to see Mike Trout as the favorite to win the 2018 American League MVP award. Trout is widely considered the best player in this generation, and is putting up numbers that have never been seen before. The Angels superstar has gotten on base at a .461 clip, and also has belted 24 home runs. The Angels might not play a role in the playoff race, but Trout is on pace to have a season that will shatter many records. This award appears to be his to lose at the moment.
Mookie Betts (Red Sox) +350
The Boston Red Sox are loaded with talent, but Mookie Betts has been the brightest star in 2018. Betts could quite possibly win the batting title this season in the American League, and has also belted 25 home runs for the Red Sox. Betts is the table setter for the team with the best record in baseball. If the season ended today, he would garner a ton of votes.
Jose Altuve (Astros) +700
The reigning MVP in the American League continues to put up eye popping numbers in 2018. The diminutive Altuve once again leads the American League in batting average, hitting .342 for the Houston Astros. Altuve has plenty of support in the Houston lineup, but he continues to be the leader of that team. Altuve has a great shot of winning the award for the second consecutive year.
Aaron Judge (Yankees) +1000
The Yankees slugger was the runner up for this award in 2017, but will have another shot at it this season. Judge leads a deadly Yankees lineup with 21 home runs to go along with his 54 runs batted in. The outfielder has also shown great improvements defensively this season, and appears to be one of the best players in baseball. Judge looks to lead the Yankees to the World Series this season.
Manny Machado (Orioles) +1200
The Orioles shortstop has been nothing short of amazing so far in 2018. Machado leads the Orioles in nearly every offensive category, and continues to prove his worth to a playoff team. Machado will almost certainly be traded at the trade deadline, and that team will be getting an MVP candidate. Machado has all of the tools, and deserves a shot to play for a contending team.
Giancarlo Stanton (Yankees) +1400
The 2017 National League MVP has struggled a little bit in his first season in the American League. Stanton has still connected for 19 home runs for the Yankees, but is striking out an alarming rate. If Stanton can return to his 2017 form, the Yankees will be the clear team to beat in the American League, and he will be an MVP contender.
J.D. Martinez (Red Sox) +1600
Martinez joined the Red Sox this winter as a free agent, and he has been worth every dollar that he is getting paid. Martinez leads the American League with his 25 home runs and 64 runs batted in. The Red Sox outfielder has been the best slugger in baseball since the second half of 2017. Martinez has been overshadowed a bit by the stellar play of Mookie Betts, but he has had a great first half of the season.
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