Astros: Alex Bregman is an AL MVP candidate

Astros’ third baseman Alex Bregman, without a doubt, should be receiving more MVP buzz.

Look I understand this is biased, but it is the truth Alex Bregman has put up career numbers so far and should be one of the top players considered for the award. There is a legitimate case for the former second overall pick. He had stepped up for the Astros when injuries sidelined teammates Jose Altuve,  Carlos Correa, and George Springer.

The Stats

Entering Thursday, Bregman was batting .293 with 25 home runs, 86 RBI’s, and a .928 OPS. I understand the average isn’t as high as most typical MVP candidates, but these are still imposing numbers. If you look at other MVP candidates such as Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and J.D. Martinez the numbers don’t lie, Bregman is close to or has better numbers than these players.

Trout vs. Bregman

Trout the two-time MVP is having another ridiculous year and consistently shows why he is arguably the best player in baseball. However, Trout is batting .311 compared to Bregman’s .293, which isn’t that far off and Bregman has 86 RBI’s on the year compared to Trout’s 62. Injuries have also brought Trout again back to the pack.

Betts vs. Bregman

Now, this matchup I find the most interesting Bregman has 146 hits compared to Betts’ 151 which isn’t too far off and again Bregman has driven in 18 more runs then Betts this year. The numbers show that Bregman is more consistent at driving in runs for the Astros. Also, Betts only has three more HR’s then Bregman, and his OBP is slightly higher at .429 compared to .400. In his last five games, Betts has tallied only five hits compared to Bregman’s 11 hits.

Martinez vs. Bregman

Let’s say it the Astros probably never should have gotten rid of Martinez, but what does it matter the Astros did win a World Series without him. Martinez has grown from a hit-or-miss hitter to becoming one of the most consistent power hitters in the game. Comparing his numbers to Bregman’s is difficult. However, Bregman does have a better WAR at 6.3 and Martinez’s is at 5.9. Bregman’s OBP is only 9 points off from Martinez who was at .409 on Thursday.

Overview

Let’s face it, Bregman isn’t likely to win the AL MVP as there are many deserving candidates. That said, he should be receiving more consideration. Bregman has the chance to be one of the best players in baseball, he is on one of the best team’s in the league and has shown this year he can be a consistent Major League hitter. Bregman still has room for improvement in his game to improve upon, but the future is bright for the young third baseman.