'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The MLB MVP race is heating up as the season nears the halfway point. Several superstars are putting together historic and impressive campaigns, and they all have a case for the yearly award. The American League is deep and full of talent, while the National League might be shaken up by injuries. Here are the current rankings.
Current MLB MVP Power Rankings
National League
3) Bryce Harper
The Philadelphia Phillies first baseman has already won an MVP with the team, and he could go for a second this year. The race is a lot more open with a former candidate going down with injury, and Bryce Harper has had a good year: 2.9 fWAR, 151 wRC+, 15 home runs, and solid defense at a brand-new position.
Trending
2) Mookie Betts
He's going to be out for the next six weeks at minimum, but it would be wrong not to include Mookie Betts in the current standings for MVP. He's second in the NL in fWAR at 3.5, and that's despite missing a few games. He is also hitting over .300 and has a 158 wRC+. His defense at shortstop hasn't been great, but he's more than made up for it at the plate.
1) Shohei Ohtani
The injury to Betts does pave the way for Shohei Ohtani, but the Los Angeles Dodgers DH didn't need it. He's leading the National League with 3.7 fWAR, has a 180 wRC+, and is hitting .316 with 20 home runs. He's been incredible at the plate in a down year for a lot of NL stars.
American League
3) Juan Soto
Now might be the time for Juan Soto to earn his MVP votes. With Aaron Judge potentially sidelined for a little while, the New York Yankees offense will need him more than ever. Fortunately, Soto has been amazing: 4.7 fWAR, 190 wRC+, .313 batting average and 1.023 OPS.
2) Gunnar Henderson
It's a shame Gunnar Henderson plays in the same league as Aaron Judge, otherwise the Baltimore Orioles star would be considered the best player in the AL. He is tied for second in fWAR at 4.7 and has a 168 wRC+. He is also playing fantastic defense at shortstop as well. If Judge misses time, Henderson could jump up in the race.
1) Aaron Judge
Assuming he doesn't miss much time with the recent injury to his hand, Aaron Judge is far and away the leading MVP candidate. He leads baseball in fWAR, wRC+, home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage and OPS. He's been the best player this year and as long as he's not hurt, that's likely to continue.
