Red Sox Mookie Betts, Angels Mike Trout on track for greatest MVP race
2018 NL MVP Race
MVP contender: Mike Trout
MVP contender: Mookie Betts
| Name | PA | HR | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | wRC+ | Def | fWAR | bWAR |
| Mike Trout | 730 | 53 | 35 | .303 | .448 | .672 | 201 | -12 | 13.3 | 14.7 |
| Mookie Betts | 627 | 50 | 38 | .359 | .437 | .750 | 212 | -1.1 | 12.1 | 12.1 |
| Total | 1358 (5th) | 103 (2nd) | 74 (1st) | .329 (8th) | .443 (8th) | .708 (3rd) | 206 (3rd) | -13.1 (5th) | 25.3 (1st) | 26.8 (1st) |
Total Score: 76
Clearly, a lot still has to happen for this prophecy to be fulfilled. However, it’s unbelievable how good these two have been and it’s worth putting it into perspective.
In all the prior entries the duo had a clear weakness. Usually defense and/or baserunning. But Betts and Trout are true five-tool talents. They are near or at the top of the league in virtually every category and both of their teams are playing great baseball on their superstar’s back. Both of these players are so young and already so accomplished.
The 2016 AL MVP race between these same two players ranked sixth in points so this isn’t even their first great contest.
When it’s all said and done these two outfielders may be talked about the same way we talk about Joe Dimaggio and Ted Williams.