MLB Announces AL MVP Poll Update on Tuesday

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

MLB Announces AL MVP Poll Update on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 25, 2026 2:21 PM ET

Yordan Alvarez remains firmly in control of the American League MVP race, receiving 34 of 37 first-place votes in MLB.com’s fifth poll of the 2026 season. The Houston Astros slugger finished with 181 total points, giving him a substantial advantage over the rest of the field.

Junior Caminero holds second place with 117 points, although he did not receive a first-place vote in this round. The Tampa Bay Rays star has remained second for consecutive polls, supported by strong voting across the remaining spots on the ballots.

Alvarez’s lead is particularly notable because August has been his least productive month by wRC+, yet his 138 mark still indicates production 38% above the league average. He also remains in position to chase the Triple Crown, leading the AL with a .320 batting average, 36 home runs and 90 RBIs.

Yordan Alvarez continues to hold the top spot in the AL MVP Poll pic.twitter.com/EaCD6OEeJb
— MLB (@MLB) August 25, 2026

Caminero, meanwhile, continues to strengthen his MVP case while helping the Rays maintain their position atop the AL East. His .895 OPS is a career best, while his improved 11.8% walk rate has added another dimension to an already powerful offensive profile. He is also approaching his second consecutive 40-homer season.

Bobby Witt Jr. ranks third with 89 points and received three first-place votes. The Kansas City Royals shortstop leads the AL in both FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference WAR at 6.1 while also owning an AL-best 18 Fielding Run Value and a .822 OPS.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Willson Contreras is fourth with 49 points. The Boston Red Sox standout has been central to his team’s turnaround and is tied for second in MLB with a 156 wRC+, matching Pete Crow-Armstrong and trailing only Alvarez.

Ben Rice rounds out the top five with 43 points. The New York Yankees slugger has cooled during the second half, posting a .602 OPS, but his 34 home runs remain a major reason his team remains within range of the Rays in the AL East.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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