AL MVP Futures: Shohei Ohtani a Heavy Favorite to Win Award Over Aaron Judge

Being named the best player in your league is a real honor and just like last year, we have similar names in the running. The AL MVP futures heavily favor Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani by a longshot right now, with Aaron Judge also in the running despite missing time already this season due to injury. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the candidates including these two, and see who offers the most value to win the award with many months still ahead in the MLB season.

Shohei Ohtani

When you can throw 100 mph and hit tape measure bombs, it definitely helps your case when it comes to winning an MVP. Ohtani is a heavy favorite at Bodog to capture his second Most Valuable Player Award, also being named the best player in the American League in 2021. Ohtani is having another fantastic season for the Angels, who are finally looking to make the playoffs. The 28-year-old is hitting .287 with 18 home runs and 46 RBI while also posting a 5-2 record and 3.32 ERA on the mound. Although he has dealt with control issues at times, Ohtani is still dealing. Honestly, a lot of people thought Ohtani would win MVP last year but Judge narrowly edged him out. This time around though, it looks to be his for the taking unless he goes ice cold both at the dish and on the hill. That's very unlikely. 

Aaron Judge

Judge inked a mammoth deal with the Yankees in the winter and continues to be the cornerstone of this franchise. The slugger is currently sidelined with a toe injury after crashing into the wall at Dodger Stadium, but his numbers are legit. He’s batting .291 with an MLB-best 19 home runs and 40 RBI in 49 games played. Judge is also showing very impressive plate discipline, drawing 31 walks. He is the heartbeat of this New York offense and at this rate, will surely pass the 40-homer mark at the very least. Judge may not go deep 62 times again, but he’s putting up MVP-caliber numbers. He’ll definitely be considered, despite the majority of MLB betting sites giving him rather steep odds. 

Yordan Alvarez

After Judge, there is a dramatic drop-off. At this rate, it’s basically a two-man race. However, Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez is putting his name in the conversation. He leads the big leagues with 55 RBI to go along with 17 bombs and a .277 average. Alvarez has a sweet swing and as we’ve seen time and time again in the playoffs especially, can make the best of the best on the mound pay for their mistakes. That being said, Alvarez has his work seriously cut out for him to win his first MVP with Ohtani and Judge also looking to do so.

Marcus Semien

Another longshot but it’s worth mentioning how well Marcus Semien is playing down in Texas. After a brutal first year with the franchise, the former Blue Jay has picked up his act. Semien is batting .296 and ranks second in the American League in hits with 79 behind only Bo Bichette. The power numbers aren’t great with only nine homers, but Semien owns a .848 OPS and has driven in 51.