The 2026 MLB season is already showing drama and excitement, as numerous players are stepping up to assert themselves in the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani leads the pack, joined by three-time winners Aaron Judge and Mike Trout. However, there are also rising stars who could upset the veterans, including the likes of Matt Olson, Yordan Alvarez, and Kyle Schwarber. With the regular season approximately 30% complete, we've analyzed and ranked the top candidates for both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) MVP awards.
AL MVP Candidates
As the race continues, here’s a look at some of the top contenders from the American League:
10. Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers (+10000)
Riley Greene has been a bright spot for the struggling Tigers, boasting impressive stats this season: a .320 batting average, 4 home runs, and 23 RBIs. Though he’s not on pace to replicate his remarkable 2025 season of 36 home runs and 111 RBIs, his current performance suggests that he could still find his power in upcoming months.
9. Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox (+8000)
Murakami has showcased his power this season with 17 home runs and a .562 slugging percentage. Currently, he is on track for historical numbers, including potentially 60 home runs. If the White Sox can turn their season around, Murakami might secure himself a legitimate MVP candidacy.
8. Ben Rice, New York Yankees (+1900)
Performing under the shadow of Aaron Judge, Rice has been quietly productive, leading the league in slugging percentage at .671. His .301 batting average and 15 home runs make him a serious threat, especially if he can continue to push his numbers higher.
7. José Ramírez, Cleveland Guardians (+7000)
Ramírez continues to be a consistent force, ranking among the top players for MVP consideration. With 20 stolen bases already, he leads the league in that category. Despite a dip in his batting average this season, his overall contributions ensure he remains a formidable candidate.
6. Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (+3300)
Despite poor defensive metrics, Caminero remains an MVP contender with 12 home runs and a significant offensive contribution to the Rays’ success. If he can replicate his performance from last season, expect him to be in serious contention.
5. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (+5000)
Albeit cooling down recently, Trout's impressive consistency has kept him in the MVP conversation. His stats reflect his impact on the Angels, proving that when he’s in the lineup, he can deliver significant value.
4. Shea Langeliers, Oakland Athletics (+8000)
With a remarkable .337 batting average and 12 home runs, Langeliers is on the path to possibly being the first catcher to win a batting title since Joe Mauer. If he maintains this level of performance and helps the Athletics contend, the MVP honor could be within his reach.
3. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (+450)
Alvarez's offensive output, including 15 home runs and a .316 batting average, positions him as a significant candidate. His ability to hit in tough situations has been instrumental in keeping the Astros competitive despite their overall struggles.
2. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (+450)
Witt has finally found his stride, delivering solid performances with 7 home runs and 13 stolen bases. His recent surge might just place him at the forefront of this year's MVP conversation.
1. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (-130)
After a slow start, Judge has exploded onto the scene with 16 home runs and a .598 slugging percentage. Leading the AL in home runs, Judge has proven why he remains a favorite for the MVP award.
NL MVP Candidates
The National League is equally packed with talent. Here’s a look at the standout players:
10. Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers (+10000)
Turang has seen significant improvement this season, standing out with a .288 batting average and 6 home runs. If he continues to show solid on-base percentages, he may finally receive the accolades he deserves.
9. Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (+8000)
Despite a tough start defensively, Cruz’s offensive contributions have kept him in the hunt with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs. Continued progress in the field may bolster his MVP chances.
8. Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves (+5000)
Baldwin is having an impressive season playing for the league-leading Braves. With a .301 average and 13 home runs, he's been essential to Atlanta's offensive success.
7. Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals (+10000)
Walker has experienced fluctuations in performance but has shown potential with 13 home runs. Consistency will be key for his MVP journey this season.
6. Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks (+3000)
Corbin Carroll is working to maintain his status among the elite following a solid rookie year. His current performance shows promise as he works to lead the Diamondbacks.
5. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds (+2700)
De La Cruz has shown remarkable improvement, particularly against left-handed pitchers. His timely hitting has placed him in the mix for MVP discussions.
4. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates (+6500)
Skenes is producing a phenomenal season on the mound, with a 2.62 ERA and impressive strikeout rates. A strong finish could place him in the rare category of pitchers vying for the MVP award.
3. Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies (+1000)
Schwarber's impressive power numbers have kept the Phillies relevant in the standings. His current pace could yield record-breaking home run totals for the season.
2. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves (+1000)
Olson’s contributions continue to be crucial for the Braves. With 14 home runs and strong power numbers, he’s helping solidify his team’s position as a league powerhouse.
1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (-360)
Despite not matching last year’s offensive figures, Ohtani remains a top candidate due to his dual-threat capability on the mound and at the plate. With impressive stats as a pitcher, he may very well secure the MVP title again if his performances continue.
The road to the MVP award can be unpredictable and intense, but the next few months will be crucial for these players as they vie for one of baseball's most prestigious honors. With each game carrying weight in the narrative of their respective seasons, fans are in for a thrilling race as 2026 unfolds.
