Most Valuable Player races in Major League Baseball almost always turn contentious. Each voter has to decide what matters most. Can a player on a non-playoff team really be an MVP? Are power numbers more important than getting on base consistently and scoring runs? This season is no different. The American League has produced four clear — if diverse — candidates who deserve a look.
Joe Mauer, Twins » Mauer missed the first month of the season with a bad back. But he’s been making up for it ever since. He leads the AL in batting average (.368) and OPS (1.039). His power numbers are good – but obviously rank behind players who have put in a full season. Still, Mauer has 26 homers and 82 RBI in 113 games. The Twins are making a late run at the Tigers in the AL Central.
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Miguel Cabrera, Tigers » The quiet candidate. Cabrera is steady in almost every category. He ranks third in batting average (.338), on-base percentage (.406) and OPS (.970). He has 28 home runs and 84 RBI and has made himself into a decent first baseman. And he’s done it all for a team in first place in the AL Central.
Derek Jeter, Yankees » One of two Yankees to make the cut. Jeter is fourth in the AL in batting average (.327), but ranks farther down the list in OPS (.860) and on-base percentage (.394). Still, he’s producing one of his best offensive seasons at age 35. He has long taken abuse for his poor defense, but has been one of the better shortstops in the AL this year. Jeter is second only to Ichiro in hits (183) and has hit 17 homers.
Mark Teixeira, Yankees » The Yankees are getting everything they paid for in Teixeira, who signed as a free agent in offseason. He leads the AL with 106 RBI and is second in homers (35). Teixeira and Jeter have helped New York to the sport’s best record as the Yankees roll toward an AL East title. He’s had a bit of a down year defensively — though he’s made just three errors and will likely still win a Gold Glove.
