Top 3 American League and National League MVP Candidates and Picks

With two months of the 2026 MLB season complete, the MVP races are beginning to come into focus. The American League remains highly competitive with three legitimate contenders separated by relatively small margins, while the National League features a familiar superstar holding a commanding lead over the rest of the field.

Here are the top three MVP candidates in each league, along with their current odds.

American League MVP Race

1. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (-130)

Judge remains the betting favorite despite not leading every MVP poll. The Yankees slugger has already hit 17 home runs while posting a .907 OPS, numbers that would be considered outstanding for almost any player.

Judge’s challenge is competing against the standard he created himself. After winning three AL MVP Awards in the last four seasons, sportsbooks continue to believe another dominant second half is coming. If Judge gets hot during the summer, he could quickly create separation in the race.

2. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (+310)

Witt continues to make a strong case as the most complete player in the American League. The Royals shortstop has already stolen 17 bases and remains one of baseball’s top defensive players. While his power numbers are slightly behind last year’s pace, Witt continues to impact games offensively, defensively, and on the bases.

At +310, Witt offers an appealing combination of production and value for bettors looking beyond the favorite.

3. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (+500)

Few hitters have been better than Alvarez through the first two months of the season. The Astros slugger owns a .301 batting average, .416 on-base percentage, .634 slugging percentage, and 20 home runs. After injuries limited him to just 48 games last year, Alvarez has returned as one of baseball’s most dangerous offensive players.

If Houston remains in the playoff race, Alvarez could become an increasingly popular MVP choice.

National League MVP Race

1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (-650)

Ohtani has established himself as the clear favorite. The Dodgers superstar continues dominating both as a pitcher and a hitter. Through 55 innings, Ohtani owns a remarkable 0.82 ERA while remaining one of the league’s top offensive threats.

With four MVP Awards already on his resume, another appears well within reach if he maintains his current pace.

2. Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies (+1400)

Schwarber has quietly positioned himself as the top challenger to Ohtani. The Phillies slugger leads Major League Baseball with 22 home runs and continues to anchor one of baseball’s most productive lineups. After finishing near the top of MVP voting last season, Schwarber is once again producing elite power numbers.

His role as a designated hitter may hurt his candidacy with some voters, but his offensive production keeps him firmly in the conversation.

3. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds (+2800)

De La Cruz remains one of the most dynamic players in baseball. The Reds star entered June batting .280 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs while continuing to impact games with his speed and athleticism. Few players possess his combination of power and game-changing ability.

At +2800, he remains a long shot, but his upside makes him an intriguing name to watch during the second half.

MVP Predictions

The American League race remains wide open, but Alvarez offers the strongest value among the top contenders at +500 given his production through the first two months.

The National League is far less complicated. Ohtani continues to separate himself from the field and remains the clear favorite to add another MVP Award to his collection.

Projected Winners

American League MVP: Yordan Alvarez (+500)

National League MVP: Shohei Ohtani (-650)