It’s time for the first awards rankings of the 2026 MLB regular season, starting with the AL and NL MVP races.
For simplicity, these are based on how we would vote if ballots were due today, focusing strictly on performance to this point rather than projections or betting odds.
AL MVP
1. Yordan Alvarez
Alvarez is on an all-time heater. The Astros’ slugger has a 20% walk rate against an 11.3% strikeout rate, has already hit six home runs, and leads all of baseball in xwOBA.
It’s still a small sample, but Alvarez has long looked capable of a historic offensive season. He’s one of the few hitters with the upside to challenge Aaron Judge at the top.
2. Ben Rice
Rice is one of four AL hitters with a higher walk rate than Alvarez. His 241 wRC+ is even better, and he’s already hit four deep balls this season.
His value is slightly dampened by his usage. Aaron Boone still isn’t trusting him to start against left-handed pitching.
3. Chandler Simpson
Sitting atop the AL East, the Rays have been one of the early success stories this season. Simpson, boasting a .407 batting average and seven stolen bases, has been a major part of Tampa Bay’s strong start.
An extreme contact-and-speed profile, Simpson doesn’t fit the typical mold of a 21st-century MVP. He likely won’t stay in contention for long, but his production to date deserves recognition.
NL MVP
1. Jordan Walker
It’s finally happening. Walker is breaking out, and doing so in spectacular fashion. The former top prospect has eight home runs, a 208 wRC+, and a .489 xwOBA that leads all National League hitters.
An increase in his walk rate is encouraging. He’s been more aggressive early in counts, putting the ball in the air more often, and has cut down his chase rate. There’s a definite path for Walker to become a top-15 hitter in baseball.
2. CJ Abrams
Two NL hitters, Walker and Andy Pages, have a better wRC+ than Abrams. His defensive issues remain, but he’s been more selective at the plate, leading to fewer strikeouts and more walks.
That increased selectivity has translated into more power. Abrams is pulling the ball in the air at an elite rate and has cut down on groundballs, resulting in six home runs and one of the best xwOBA marks in the National League.
3. Brandon Lowe
Lowe hit two home runs on Opening Day and has added five more since. At this stage of his career, it’s unlikely this represents a complete shift in his offensive profile, but it’s notable that he’s swinging less and walking more.
It could be a more patient approach, waiting for pitches he can drive, or simply a small-sample blip that won’t hold into May and June.
If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.
