MLB awards check-in: Three leading MVP candidates in each league

2. OF Juan Soto, New York Yankees

According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, teammates have finished 1-2 in MVP balloting on seven occasions, and this season could ultimately mark the eighth instance the feat occurs. Soto, New York's prized offseason acquisition, has been the most consistent hitter in MLB this season, but his ranking second in our MVP rankings is a testament to how absurd Judge has been playing lately. Soto, a three-time All-Star, is on his way to securing one of the biggest contracts of all time this offseason, slashing .322/.417/.614 with 17 home runs and 53 RBI. 

3. SS Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

Last season's AL Rookie of the Year Award winner has quickly established himself as one of the top talents in the majors, ranking third among position players in fWAR (3.7). Henderson is slashing .268/.368/.591 with 19 home runs, 42 RBI and eight stolen bases through 57 games this season, showing rare power from the leadoff spot. In fact, Henderson's 19 homers from the leadoff spot are the most in MLB, with Phillies DH/OF Kyle Schwarber's 11 being the next closest. 

Honorable mentions: Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr., Astros OF Kyle Tucker

National League MVP

1. SS Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

Hall of Famer Frank Robinson is the only player in MLB history to win the MVP Award in both leagues, though that could change this season if our two leading NL MVP candidates continue to thrive. Betts, the 2018 AL MVP, has gotten off to a blistering start, slashing .318/.412/.515 with nine homers and 32 RBI for the star-studded Dodgers. It shouldn't be overlooked that this is Betts' first season as a full-time shortstop, which only adds to his value and makes his success that much more impressive. 

2. DH Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite costing $700M to sign, Ohtani has been well worth the investment for the Dodgers. While he is strictly a designated hitter this season, Ohtani somehow still remains one of the most valuable players in MLB, compiling the seventh-highest fWAR (2.9) among position players. The two-time American League MVP also ranks fourth in batting average (.322) and slugging (.596) and third in wRC+ (180). 

3. 1B Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies 

The gap between Betts, Ohtani and everyone else is significant. However, Harper, who is now another year removed from Tommy John surgery, has been the top performer from a hitting perspective on the best team in the National League this season. The seven-time All-Star is batting .270 with 14 homers, 44 RBI and a 149 wRC+, the seventh-highest in the National League.

Honorable mentions: Brewers catcher William Contreras, Braves DH Marcell Ozuna