Four under-the-radar MVP candidates around MLB

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Four under-the-radar MVP candidates around MLB

By Daniel Morrison | Last updated May 8, 2026 3:22 PM ET

It seems like every year in MLB, the MVP race comes down to Aaron Judge in the American League and Shohei Ohtani in the National League. They're the two dominant players in the game, and it can make the race for MVP almost mundane.

At the same time, there are always some surprise players who can challenge for the award. Last year, that was Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. This year, there are a few different players who could break through as under-the-radar MVP candidates. Here's a look at four of them.

1. Ben Rice, 1B, New York Yankees

Could Judge lose the MVP to a teammate of his with the Yankees? It's hard to imagine, given the focus on Judge, but there is a good argument to be had that first baseman Ben Rice is actually having a better season so far, with his left-handed swing that's made for the short porch in Yankee Stadium.

In 33 games, Rice is already having the best season of his short career. He's currently slashing .343/.455/.759. That's an American League best in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. He's pairing that with 12 home runs and an AL-leading 1.214 OPS.

2. Matt Olson, 1B, Atlanta Braves

By now, Matt Olson is one of the best-respected players in all of MLB. In his 11th season, he hasn't even missed a game since 2021. Now, he's jumped off to an excellent start that, if he can maintain, makes him a very real MVP candidate after finishing 18th in voting a season ago.

Olson is currently slashing .301/.388/.671 in 38 games. It's good for a 1.059 OPS while playing a Gold Glove-caliber first base. He also leads the National League in both home runs and doubles, with 13 and 15, respectively.

3. Munetaka Murakami, 1B, Chicago White Sox

At the pace he's playing, Murakami is a lock for the AL Rookie of the Year. He might have sights set a bit higher, though, with MVP becoming a very real option for him.

Murakami has introduced himself to the United States as a slugger. In 37 games, Murakami has 31 hits, 14 of which are home runs. That's good for a .565 slugging percentage. Sure, he needs to strike out less. He has 55 on the season, but with a .369 OBP, he's proven to be a proper three true outcome player.

4. Mickey Moniak, LF, Colorado Rockies

There are under-the-radar MVP candidates. Then, there's Moniak. A first overall pick in 2016 by the Philadelphia Phillies, Moniak has largely struggled in his professional career and is now on his third team with the Colorado Rockies.

Finally, he's putting everything together. Moniak is slashing .318/.367/.700. That .700 slugging percentage leads the NL, as does his 1.067 OPS. With 11 home runs, there could be an argument that success is due to playing at Coors Field, but it's also true that his raw numbers can't be ignored. In fact, he leads Ohtani in all of those stats, save for OBP.

Daniel Morrison

Dan Morrison is a writer originally from Massachusetts, now residing in Florida. He spent four years at On3, working on the National News Desk there. Prior to that, he’s also contributed at Underdog Dynasty.

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