2026 MLB MVP Race: Way Too Early Predictions

Aaron Judge is like fine wine; he’s gotten better with age.

Through two weeks in the 2026 MLB season Judge has been…alright. The Bronx Bomber’s clocked three home runs but has amassed 13 strikeouts in two weeks.

That ain’t good. But last year, May and June were kind for Judge. And wouldn’t you know? He won MVP.

Once Judge finds his footing, I fully expect his slugging percentage and batting average to reach consistent clips.

But those strikeouts are bad. He had 26 in the month of April last year and he’s already 50% of the way there with three weeks left in the month of April. Some things can’t be helped–at 6’7, Judge has a massive strike zone. But he loves to swing at low-and-away pitches and prefers swinging for damage than contact.

Nevertheless, Judge is Judge. Another 50-dinger season isn’t off the table just yet. If he can stay consistent and healthy, New York’s best thing since sliced bread can nab his second consecutive AL MVP.

NL MVP Candidate: Shohei Ohtani

If Ohtani’s not on anyone’s 2026 MLB MVP radar, then…I don’t know what to tell you.

Dodger bias aside, I’m more concerned about Ohtani’s strikeout woes as of late. He’s averaged two strikeouts a game in the month of April, but his slugging percentage’s crept up into the .500s. It looks like Ohtani’s hitting his stride and, like Judge, Ohtani’s historically performed well after April.

The big question surrounding Ohtani is: will he pitch consistently in 2026? He pitched well in his first outing against Cleveland but after his 2023 elbow surgery, I imagine Dave Roberts will keep Ohtani’s pitch count in mind.

If Ohtani has another Babe Ruth-esque season, I expect he’ll stay the NL favorite to win the 2026 MLB NL MVP.

Dark Horse #1: Oneil Cruz

Ooh boy, I know I turned some heads with this one. Especially after the Opening Day disaster.

Hear me out–it’s April, but that doesn’t change the fact that Cruz is a dynamic offensive threat, and in the modern era, that’s all you really need to be in terms of MVP conversation.

Cruz has already contributed 5 oWAR thru the first two weeks with four homers and 12 ribbies. He’s already batting better than he did last year; a .295 average and a .591 slugging percentage. If Cruz continues to improve, well, who’s to say he won’t usurp Ohtani in the MVP conversation–

I’m kidding, I think we all know Ohtani’s the clear front runner. However…it’s April. Anything can happen and I’m all for a little controlled chaos to cap off the 2026 MLB season.

Dark Horse #2: Bobby Witt Jr.

This one is a bit more believable than Cruz overtaking Ohtani.

Witt’s been a star ever since he landed in Kansas City. Batting .250 through the first two weeks of the season isn’t Mendoza-levels bad, but Witt, like all the other candidates, need to find consistency before he can seriously contend with the likes of Judge.

Witt came in fourth place in the AL MVP race last year, so it’s not like an MVP is completely out of left field (sorry) for the shortstop/third baseman. If the second half of last year is any indication, Witt could sneak into the top-3 MVP candidates for the AL MVP.

End Of My 2026 MLB MVP Rant

Look if I had it my way, Shohei Ohtani would win both AL-NL MVP. Since we don’t live in a monarchy ruled by yours truly, I think the 2026 MLB MVP Race could be interesting.

Baseball’s always been a game of mystic intrigue in terms of variables. Slumps and hot streaks seem to be determined by a deity we can’t quite understand and both can be a determinant factor in who wins the award.

We’ll see who the Baseball Gods decide to shine on, and which ones they cast into seasonal darkness.

On a serious note, I’m all for a LVP–Least Valuable Player–award. Not to be mean but I think there should be a certain honor to taking up a roster spot while contributing nothing to a team’s overall record.

One can only dream.