Three AL MVP front-runners with Aaron Judge sidelined

The American League MVP chase had a major shakeup.

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was, once again, one of the favorites to take home the MVP Award. However, Judge was diagnosed with a stress fracture in the first rib on his right side. He was placed on the Injured List on Friday and is slated to be re-examined in four to six weeks.

With two-way star Shohei Ohtani now playing in the National League, the AL will have a new MVP for the first time since 2020. Let's take a look at three players who could take home the hardware.

Three potential front-runners for the AL MVP

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.

Witt had a strong case for the AL MVP Award even with Judge being healthy. He leads all major league hitters in bWAR (3.8) and fWAR (3.8) entering Saturday, having posted a .282/.358/.464 batting line with nine homers and 17 doubles over his 285 plate appearances while stealing a major league-leading 22 bases. 

Witt has been stellar defensively as well. His seven runs saved at short are the most in the majors. The biggest problem for Witt's candidacy is that the Royals entered Saturday with a 25-39 record, the third-worst in the majors. While voters tend to be loath to give the MVP Award to a player on a last-place team, Witt has a strong case.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice

A pleasant surprise for the Yankees in 2025, Rice has taken a significant step forward thus far in 2026. He entered Saturday with a .305/.398/.652 batting line in his 246 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 15 doubles. Rice leads the majors with his .652 slugging percentage and is first in the AL with 47 runs scored.

Rice has a perfect opportunity to cement his case as the AL MVP. The Yankees lineup has been dependent on Judge over the past few years. If Rice can continue his impressive season and bring the Yankees to the playoffs, he could keep the MVP Award in the Bronx.

Houston Astros designated hitter/outfielder Yordan Alvarez

Despite a disappointing 28-36 record, the Astros entered Saturday just 4.5 games out of first in the AL West. Alvarez has been a key reason as to why they have been able to remain in the periphery of the playoff picture, posting a .316/.429/.645 batting line with an AL-leading 21 homers and 13 doubles. His 1.074 OPS and 149 total bases lead the majors.

Alvarez has two things working against him — the Astros' place in the standings and that he has primarily served as their DH. However, the Astros are starting to get healthier and could make a move up the standings. If that happens, Alvarez should receive plenty of attention for the MVP Award, as he was able to keep Houston in the postseason picture over the first two months of the season.