With Judge's Absence, the AL MVP Race is Wide Open
The American League MVP race has been a two-horse race for a decade, with Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani dominating the conversation. But the 2026 season is shaping up to be a wild card, with Judge's injury opening the door for new contenders. So, who will step up to the plate and claim the coveted MVP title?
The Top Contenders
Alvarez: MLB's second-best hitter by wRC+ (165) since 2019, Alvarez is a true five-tool superstar. His all-around production and the possibility of capturing the Triple Crown make him a strong contender.
Witt: Witt, the Royals shortstop, leads the AL with 3.8 WAR. His elite defense and baserunning, combined with a 119 wRC+, make him a serious contender. However, power production is a variable, and voters might gravitate towards Alvarez if Witt doesn't surge.
Kurtz: Nick Kurtz, the Athletics first baseman, had a remarkable debut season. With an MLB-leading .438 OBP and a 184 wRC+ since April 12, he's outperforming everyone, including Alvarez. If he can maintain this form, he could be one of the youngest MVP winners in history.
Rice: Ben Rice, the Yankees' most productive hitter, is a dark horse contender. With 18 homers, 45 RBIs, and a 1.005 OPS, he's a force to be reckoned with. If the Yankees finish as the AL's top team, Rice could be a strong candidate.
Other Potential Candidates
Ramírez: José Ramírez, the Guardians third baseman, is a perennial MVP contender. With 10 homers and a .765 OPS, he's on pace for a career high in steals. His superb defensive play at third base makes him a strong candidate.
Rodríguez: Julio Rodríguez, the Mariners center fielder, is a slow starter but has finished among the top seven in AL MVP voting in three of his first four seasons. His monster May performance suggests a potential career year.
Díaz and Caminero: Díaz and Caminero, both Rays players, are also in the mix. Díaz, with a .331 average and a .940 OPS, is the AL's fourth-best hitter by wRC+. Caminero, tied for eighth in the league with a 141 wRC+, is a rising star.
Buxton: Buxton, the Twins outfielder, is a long shot due to age and injury history. However, if he waives his no-trade clause and joins a contender, he could deliver MVP-caliber numbers down the stretch, making it a first for the league.
Conclusion
With Judge's injury, the AL MVP race is wide open. The contenders are strong, and the season is shaping up to be a thrilling race. Who will step up and claim the title? It's anyone's guess, but the competition is fierce, and the MVP will be a well-deserved honor.
