Written by Brian Wright at The Sports Daily
In the 169 times a Most Valuable Player Award has been chosen by the writers, 81 were won by Hall-of-Famers. Several other recent recipients are well on their way to Cooperstown. Regardless of the odds, earning an MVP places you on the short list of greatness. Here are the five in the American and National League who have the best chance to gain this unique honor.
American League
5. Nelson Cruz, Mariners
The transition from Camden Yards to cavernous Safeco Field wasn’t as difficult as originally predicted. Cruz kept up the power surge he enjoyed in 2014, having belted 44 home runs so far in 2015 (one off the MLB lead). He’s also managed to keep his batting average above .300. Despite a second half improvement, Seattle fell below expectations and will end up fourth in the AL West. If not for Cruz, it would have been a whole lot worse.
4. Manny Machado, Orioles
Perhaps some of the power that Cruz left behind after his one year in Baltimore rubbed off on the Birds’ third baseman. The 23-year-old has already set career highs in home runs (31), RBI (79), and stolen bases (18) after suffering an injury-plagued campaign in 2014. A more encouraging sign for Baltimore was that his defense is as stellar as before. An MVP won’t be coming his way, but the Comeback Player of the Year Award should.
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