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MLB Awards Watch: New Frontrunners in AL MVP Race

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joe Najarian | Last updated Jun 8, 2026 2:18 PM ET

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As the MLB season enters the summer, there was a seismic development in the American League MVP race.

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, who won the last two AL MVP awards and three of the last four, is sidelined with a stress fracture in his rib. With Judge likely out until August, there is a path for a new winner this year. The American League is also wide open and without a clear-cut favorite, with even struggling teams having a chance at October baseball, creating many more candidates for MVP.

As of June 8, the two favorites for AL MVP are Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros. But they are far from the only candidates for the award. Here are the four frontrunners for AL MVP and the cases for each.

SS Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

What makes Bobby Witt Jr. a perennial MVP candidate is not being outstanding in one specific area: rather, he's elite in every facet and is MLB's most well-rounded player. Through 66 games, the 25-year-old is hitting .280/.354/.456 with nine home runs, 27 RBI, 33 runs scored and a 122 wRC+. Those are very solid totals, but Witt's defense and baserunning are the X-factors that make him the current favorite.

Across all of baseball, only Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has a higher Fielding Run Value than Witt's 12 (per Statcast). Witt additionally chips in 4.2 runs with his baserunning, which includes an MLB-leading 23 stolen bases (tied with Jose Ramirez and Nasim Nuñez) in 26 attempts. Because of this dynamic play, Witt has totaled 3.8 fWAR, the best in MLB.

It is worth mentioning that Witt left the Royals' game on Sunday due to right knee soreness, which will surely be monitored carefully by the team. His chances may take a hit if he lands on the IL, but Witt can pick things right back up if it's only a minor issue.

DH Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros

Jun 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits an RBI single during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Although the Astros have struggled this year, they boast a proficient lineup that ranks 10th in MLB with 307 runs scored. Much of that has come from Yordan Alvarez, who is suddenly on Triple Crown watch.

The 28-year-old slugger leads the majors with a 1.080 OPS, with both his on-base percentage (.431, tied with Nick Kurtz) and slugging percentage (.650) being the highest in MLB. Alvarez is also first in wRC+ (193), second in home runs (22, first in the AL), third in RBI (48, also leads the AL) and sixth in batting average (.316); only Tampa Bay Rays slugger Yandy Diaz (.325 average) separates Alvarez from the AL Triple Crown at the moment.

Alvarez's bat alone gives him 3.4 fWAR, the second-most in the majors behind only Witt. Houston is languishing in fourth place in the AL West at 30-37, but lack of team success should never take away from a player's MVP case, especially when Alvarez continues to have a season for the ages.

1B Ben Rice, New York Yankees

Jun 2, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) singles during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

In the wake of Aaron Judge's injury, the Yankees will now rely on Ben Rice as their primary offensive force. The 27-year-old is in the midst of a breakout season and already one of the best first basemen in the league.

Rice enjoyed a strong 2025 by hitting .255/.337/.499 with 26 home runs in 138 games, but he's already set to blow past those marks. The lefty is slashing .299/.392/.640 with 18 home runs, 45 RBI, 47 runs scored and a 182 wRC+; his slugging percentage, OPS and wRC+ are all second in the American League behind only Alvarez. He already has 2.7 fWAR this season after posting a 3.0 mark last year.

It is worth mentioning that while Rice has learned first base over the past two years, he is a catcher by trade. With the lack of production from that position and a possibly debilitating injury to Austin Wells, the Yankees could get the most out of their lineup by moving Rice behind the plate and playing the resurgent Paul Goldschmidt at first. The Yankees have no plans to do this at the moment because they don't want to mess with Rice's current production, but if they relent, perhaps Rice can add to his value if his bat doesn't slow down.

1B Nick Kurtz, Athletics

May 20, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) is greeted after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Athletics have surprised many by hanging tough in a weak AL West, even occupying first place for 40 total days. They have a young, intriguing nucleus to thank for that, with Nick Kurtz being the cornerstone and hopefully the face of the franchise when they complete their move to Las Vegas.

After unanimously winning AL Rookie of the Year in 2025, the 23-year-old has picked up right where he left off. Kurtz was named the AL Player of the Month for May, slashing .333/.456/.569 with five homers and an impressive 26 RBI during the month. Through 64 games, he's hitting .276/.431/.496 with 12 home runs, 45 RBI and a 157 wRC+ ; earlier in the year, he tied Mark McGwire for the longest single-season on-base streak in Athletics history by reaching base in 48 consecutive contests.

If Kurtz elevates his play even further and wins MVP, the A's would be hard-pressed to not give him a long-term contract extension.

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

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