Like everything else, the start date of the upcoming Major League Baseball season has been impacted due to the Coronavirus. Nobody knows exactly when it will get underway, but one thing is for sure, when it does it will be special! So, let’s take a look at some of the standout players who will be doing all they can to make it worth the wait. Some have moved to what they hope will be greener pastures, while others have remained loyal to their current franchises with the incentive of lucrative new deals.
One thing unites each and every one of them, which is a burning ambition to help their teams win the World Series in 2020, along with sweeping up all the personal awards they can earn along the way. In 2019, the Washington Nationals landed the World Series and the National League championship, after beating off the challenge of the Houston Astros, who claimed the American League title.
Individually, Mike Trout was 2019 American League MVP with the Los Angeles Angels, while Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2019 National League MVP award. Baseball fans are now starting to discuss and debate which players are most likely to win the big awards in 2020, wondering who will rise to the very top of their game this year.
All the biggest sportsbooks are regularly updating their MVP odds as we head closer to the opening games of the 2020 MLB season, which means that it’s time to start checking out the best betting sites if you’re in New Jersey (NJ). Don’t forget to look through the latest sportsbook reviews and offers, and make sure you’re getting the best odds and bonus deals.
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the leading MVP contenders who are tipped for glory during the 2020 MLB season.
2020 American League MVP
There’s one man who is topping all the prediction lists ahead of the new season, which is hardly surprising, especially considering the huge haul of awards he already has. That man is Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, the 8x All-Star who won his third American League MVP award in 2019, along with his seventh Silver Slugger award and the Hank Aaron award for the second time in his career as the American League’s top hitter in 2019.
Trout will celebrate his 29th birthday in August this year and having already claimed three MVP awards in eight full seasons of his career to date, there’s every reason to believe he can continue playing at the top of his game for years to come. Even baseball writers at the official MLB website are finding it hard to look beyond Trout for the American League MVP award in 2020, while his opening odds are as low as +100 with many of the leading sportsbooks.
While there are several players tipped for a strong 2020 MLB season ahead, the one most likely to challenge Trout for the American League MVP award could be Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. However, odds for the 28-year-old have started to lengthen after the New York Times revealed injury problems could see judge miss the start of the season. Tests have revealed a rib stress fracture which may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
Faring somewhat better is Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians. The 4x All-Star, 2x Golden Glove and 2x Silver Slugger has the ability and all the right credentials, if anyone is going to challenge Trout for the 2020 American League MVP title. Nicknamed “Mr. Smile” for his permanently positive outlook, the Puerto Rican shortstop will definitely be one to watch this season, while fans of the Indians are hoping he’ll also get a contract extension.
2020 National League MVP
Compared to those heading the betting odds for the American League MVP award, the field is wide open with several genuine contenders tipped for the 2020 National League MVP award. Leading the betting at the majority of sportsbooks is Mookie Betts, who switched from the Boston Red Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 2020 and where great things are expected of the 27-year-old right fielder.
What sets Betts apart from the crowd is his consistently brilliant MLB record over recent years. Also, it’s hard to ignore that in 2018 he also became the first player in MLB history to win MVP, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, batting title and the World Series; all during one exceptionally glittering campaign with the Red Sox. The Dodgers will certainly be banking on that kind of form in 2020 from the latest stellar addition to their ranks.
If momentum and form over the last couple of years is any gauge towards who can win the National League MVP award in 2020, then Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers will surely be a top contender for the award. The 28-year-old was National League MVP in 2018 and has won a host of other awards in the last couple of years, earning him a nine-year contract with the Brewers worth over $188 million according to USA Today.
If his raw ability and abundance of talent is any indication, then 22-year-old Ronald Acuña Jr. seems guaranteed to be an MVP at some point in his career, it’s just a question of when. National League Rookie of the Year in 2018, he’s continued to impress with the Atlanta Braves. An All-Star in 2019, he was the Silver Slugger and National League stolen base leader last season, while also joining the elusive 30-30 club. This could be another great year.
Conclusion
There’s certainly no shortage of stellar names and quality challengers for the MLB awards this year, although as always, it’s mainly a question of whether or not certain players live up to their expectations. Form with their respective teams will always be the biggest indicator, if it can be sustained throughout the grueling entirety of the season. Likewise, avoidance of injuries will be another key factor, so keep that in mind when making your MVP choices.