Race for AL MVP: Yordan Alvarez vs. Aaron Judge

Can Yordan Alvarez unseat Aaron Judge for American League MVP favorite? Let’s take a look.

One-third of the way into the season, the Houston Astros and Yordan Alvarez are off to a commanding start. Much the same, so are the New York Yankees behind the bat of Aaron Judge. Both teams possess impressive records that suggest the possibility for season finishes in excess of 100 wins.

First, let’s take a look at why the 2022 NL MVP might be going to a pitcher, while the AL MVP likely will go to a batter—good news for the likes of Alvarez and Judge.

In the National League MVP race, a pitcher has emerged as an early contender: former Astro, Joe Musgrove. The San Diego Padre leads the majors in quality starts (10) and possesses the third lowest ERA among all major league starters with a 1.64. The 29-year-old right-hander also boasts the second most victories in the big leagues with his 6-win, 0-loss record.

But in the AL, it looks much more clear-cut at this point in the season that the MVP race is coming down to the batters. Yes, Judge leads the majors with 21 homers. But could the MVP possibly go to Alvarez?