AL MVP looks like Aaron Judge vs. Yordan Alvarez, but these players still have a chance

Apr 29, 2026 - 22:45

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 22: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Grace Hoppel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The battle for American League MVP features plenty of star power and familiar names only a month into the 2026 MLB season. In the latest FanDuel Sportsbook American League MVP 2026 market, there are plenty of viable candidates trying to dethrone reigning back-to-back MVP Aaron Judge.

Unlike the NL MVP race — which has turned into Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani running away from most of the field — the AL MVP race still has eight players under 30/1 odds.

On a quest to capture his fourth MVP award overall, Judge (+170), the New York Yankees outfielder, remains the frontrunner. The Yankees are off to a strong start and Judge is top-10 in home runs and OPS.

While Judge’s wasn’t particularly strong out of the gate, his consistency and history with the award lends him considerable credibility at this stage in the season. All it takes is one big power surge for Judge to grab a big lead in the race. After home runs in back-to-back games, Judge could be settling in for another big summer.

Keeping pace with Judge is Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (+270). Leading all of MLB in batting average, OPS and hits while tied for second in home runs, Alvarez is back in form after injuries derailed his 2025 season. Alvarez is on pace for his best season, but matching Judge’s power could prove difficult for a player who has never hit more than 37 home runs in a season.

It’s been a power outage for Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (+1100) so far this season. With only one home run, Witt needs to start slugging more frequently to stay with Judge and Alvarez in the MVP race.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (+1500) was off to a hot start after his offensive production dipped last season. Already at nine home runs on the season after hitting only 17 in 2025, Henderson’s returning power and 11 stolen bases are worth tracking. But Baltimore’s young star is also struggling to get on base with only a .280 on-base percentage.

Similar to Judge, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (+1500) is also pursuing his fourth AL MVP award. After winning three MVPs last decade, Trout hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Off to a promising start in 2026 with nine home runs, Trout is hoping for a resurgent season.

Cleveland Guardians star Jose Ramirez (+2000), Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz and Yankees first basemen Ben Rice (both +2500) are three more secondary MVP contenders worth tracking. Rice and Judge made history on Monday as the first Yankees teammates to hit 10 or more home runs in the team’s first 29 games since Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle in 1956.