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The 2026 MLB MVP races have entered their most important stretch. Both leagues have developed compelling storylines. The American League appears much clearer right now. The National League remains a fascinating two-player battle. Aaron Judge dominated the early AL conversation. However, injuries have changed that race dramatically. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani started as the overwhelming NL favorite. Pete Crow-Armstrong has now pushed him for the lead. Here are five candidates from each league. These rankings reflect the current picture heading into the final month.
American League
- Yordan Alvarez, Astros
Yordan Alvarez has become the clear favorite for the American League award. As of August 24, Alvarez led the AL in several major offensive categories. He led batting average, home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS. That combination makes his case extremely difficult to challenge. He also plays a major role in Houston’s lineup. MLB’s latest odds strongly favor Alvarez. FanDuel listed him at -20,000 on August 24. That number shows how much the race has changed. Alvarez started the season behind Aaron Judge in the MVP conversation. Now, he sits firmly in the driver’s seat. Unless his production drops sharply, Alvarez should win his first MVP award.
- Junior Caminero, Rays
Junior Caminero has emerged as Alvarez’s biggest challenger. The Tampa Bay third baseman has continued developing into an elite power hitter. MLB’s projections gave him 45 home runs and 105 RBIs. Caminero also plays a key role for a Tampa Bay team competing near the top. That team success can strengthen his MVP case. The Rays currently sit atop the American League East. Caminero’s offensive production has helped fuel that success. He would need a spectacular finish to catch Alvarez. Still, he represents the most realistic threat. His combination of youth, power, and production makes him a fascinating MVP candidate.
- Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
Bobby Witt Jr. remains one of baseball’s most complete players. His MVP case starts with his ability to impact games in multiple ways. Witt provides power, speed, defense, and elite baserunning. He also plays shortstop, which adds value compared with a designated hitter. That defensive contribution can help close the gap in a tight MVP race. However, Witt faces a massive challenge. Alvarez has created considerable separation in the current odds. MLB’s latest projections still list Witt among the leading AL candidates. FanDuel placed him at +6,000 on August 24. That number makes him a long shot. Still, Witt remains one of the league’s most dangerous players.
- Ben Rice, Yankees
Ben Rice has become another important name in the AL race. The Yankees first baseman brings significant power to a dangerous lineup. MLB’s projections give him 42 home runs and 100 RBIs. Those numbers would put him firmly into the MVP conversation. His Yankees connection also gives him plenty of national attention. Rice faces a difficult path because Alvarez has separated himself. Still, the Yankees remain in contention. That gives Rice an opportunity to strengthen his case during September. A huge finish could move him higher. For now, he remains a dark horse rather than a favorite.
- Dillon Dingler, Tigers
Dillon Dingler gives the AL race an intriguing long shot. The Detroit catcher has developed into an important offensive contributor. MLB’s projections give him 31 home runs and 99 RBIs. Those numbers would represent impressive production from behind the plate. Catchers also provide defensive value that statistics can sometimes overlook. However, Dingler needs an enormous September to enter the serious conversation. His current odds sit far behind Alvarez and Caminero. Still, he deserves recognition among the league’s leading candidates. His production could make him a name to watch going forward.
National League
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs
Pete Crow-Armstrong currently holds the strongest NL MVP case. The Cubs center fielder has taken control of the race over the past month. His combination of offense and elite defense separates him from many competitors. Crow-Armstrong currently leads the NL in WAR. He also owns 33 home runs and 32 stolen bases. His defense provides another major advantage. He has made several spectacular catches throughout the season. MLB MVP odds now favor Crow-Armstrong over Ohtani. FanDuel listed him at -185 on August 24. Other sportsbooks moved him even shorter by August 26. That shows how quickly his candidacy has strengthened.
- Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Ohtani can never get counted out of an MVP race. The Dodgers superstar has won four MVP awards already. He also won three consecutive awards entering this season. Ohtani remains one of baseball’s most dangerous offensive players. His pitching return could also dramatically change his case. That possibility makes September especially important. If Ohtani contributes significantly on the mound, voters could reconsider the race. For now, Crow-Armstrong holds the advantage. Ohtani still sits close enough to make this race extremely interesting. He also has history on his side. Another MVP would move him closer to Barry Bonds’ record of seven awards.
- Kyle Schwarber, Phillies
Kyle Schwarber remains a dangerous dark horse in the National League. His power gives him a chance to make a late push. Schwarber also plays for one of the NL’s strongest contenders. However, he faces stiff competition from Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani. Both players provide more defensive or two-way value. Still, a huge September could change the conversation. Schwarber’s ability to change games with one swing keeps him relevant. His current MVP odds remain far behind the top two candidates. Yet, the Phillies slugger should not disappear from the discussion.
- Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers
Jacob Misiorowski represents the most unusual MVP candidate. Pitchers rarely win MVP awards in today’s game. Clayton Kershaw remains the last pitcher to win one, doing so in 2014. Misiorowski has made a compelling argument anyway. He currently owns a 1.68 ERA and 0.76 WHIP. He also leads the NL in strikeouts with 216. Those numbers have placed him among the league’s most dominant pitchers. Milwaukee also sits near the top of the NL standings. That strengthens his overall case. However, voters usually favor everyday players. Misiorowski would need an extraordinary finish to overcome that obstacle.
- Juan Soto, Mets
Juan Soto remains one of baseball’s most talented hitters. The Mets star has finished inside the MVP top 10 six times. Yet, he still has not captured the award. That makes Soto an intriguing long-term candidate. His offensive consistency gives him a chance every season. However, his current 2026 odds sit well behind Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani. He needs a monster September to enter the race. Soto still owns the talent required to make that happen. Therefore, nobody should completely dismiss his chances. A late surge could also give the Mets a major boost.
My Final MVP Picks
The American League feels almost settled. Yordan Alvarez is my pick to win the AL MVP. His production has separated him from every other candidate. His statistical dominance also gives him an overwhelming case. The National League presents a much tougher decision. Pete Crow-Armstrong is my pick to win the NL MVP. Ohtani remains the biggest threat. However, Crow-Armstrong’s defense and overall production give him the edge. The next month could still change everything. Yet, Alvarez and Crow-Armstrong currently have the strongest cases. Both races also show how quickly an MVP race can change. Injuries, hot streaks, and September performances can rewrite the entire conversation. For now, these two players sit in the best position to take home baseball’s biggest individual honors.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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