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Through almost eight full weeks of the regular season, MVP candidates have already established themselves in the MLB. There's still a long season left in front of these players, but they have been nothing short of astounding and deserve their flowers.
Top MVP Candidates in NL and AL through May 19
American League
Kyle Tucker
Kyle Tucker has been fantastic, so don't let the abysmal season by the Houston Astros distract you from that fact. He has been the American League's most valuable player thus far, posting a 2.8 fWAR. His 186 wRC+ is among the best and he's provided a spark for a lineup that hasn't been great. A.284/.417/.593 slash line is quite impressive, too.
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Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson is only in his second season, so it is extremely impressive that he's an MVP candidate. If the voting were to end today, the Baltimore Orioles' record might give him the leg up over Kyle Tucker. Henderson has compiled a 2.7 fWAR, tied for second in the AL. He also has a 161 wRC+ and a whole lot of home runs so far: 14 long balls, the most in baseball.
Juan Soto
Juan Soto has been everything the New York Yankees could have dreamed of. While Aaron Judge has reinserted himself into the conversation, Soto has been in it since Day 1. His 2.7 fWAR is second in the AL and he has a .317/.414/.561 slash line. His 179 wRC+ is also the highest mark on his team.
National League
Mookie Betts
If the season ended today, it would be very difficult not to award Mookie Betts the MVP, his second such award. He's worth 3.1 fWAR, the most in all of baseball. He has recorded a 188 wRC+ and is hitting .341. He's been solid defensively at a brand-new position and is hitting as well as he ever has. He's also been a good baserunner.
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani might be in the middle of his best season ever at the plate. He has 3.0 fWAR, second in the MLB, and that's without a hint of defensive or pitching value. His 204 wRC+ leads baseball, and he's hitting .350. He has morphed into a complete hitter capable of winning the Triple Crown, and it's going to be hard not to award him the MVP.
William Contreras
The Los Angeles Dodgers have two MVP candidates, but the third from the NL might come as a surprise. Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras has been fantastic, with a 2.6 fWAR and a 178 wRC+. He has been the backbone to the impressive start Milwaukee has gotten off to and would be a finalist for MVP if the season ended today.
