The first MLB.com MVP poll of 2026 is dropping bombshells left and right – expected superstars sit at the top, but hidden drama and breakout explosions are turning both leagues into absolute battlegrounds that no one saw coming.
A whopping 40 experts cast their votes, spreading love across 40 different players. It’s not just about hot starts – voters are eyeing the full-season fireworks ahead. Here’s how it all shook out, with stats through Sunday.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
- Aaron Judge, Yankees (19 first-place votes) No shock here – the two-time defending AL MVP is once again the massive favorite. Judge is tied for the MLB homer lead with 13, scorching the basepaths with 30 runs, and sitting third in AL OPS at 1.031. He’s already worth 2.1 bWAR and hasn’t even hit his stride yet. But watch out – this race is tighter than it looks thanks to a Houston beast breathing down his neck.
Aaron Judge’s two-run home run (13)
- Yordan Alvarez, Astros (19 first-place votes) Alvarez is a straight-up monster right now. Bouncing back from injury woes, he’s launched 12 homers with a ridiculous 1.097 OPS – second-best in all of baseball. He’s crushing it with 88 total bases, 21 extra-base hits, and 27 RBIs. AL Player of the Month? You bet. This guy does everything at an elite level.
Houston Astros: Yordan Alvarez adjusting swing in World Series
- Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (2) Witt might not be topping every stat sheet yet, but voters know what’s coming. His .281/.357/.407 slash hides the fire – he’s a proven .301 hitter with monster power, elite defense, and 7.0 bWAR seasons on repeat. The stolen bases are just the start. Explosion incoming.
- Ben Rice, Yankees Here’s the real drama – Judge’s own teammate is stealing the spotlight! Rice is on absolute fire with a league-leading .343 average and MLB-best 1.214 OPS. Twelve homers, 27 RBIs, and 21 extra-base hits? He’s a huge reason the Yankees are rolling at 23-11. Teammate rivalry just got spicy.
- Mike Trout, Angels It feels perfect seeing Trout back in the mix. The three-time MVP looks reborn with 10 homers and a .983 OPS – his highest since 2022. A healthy Trout is still pure magic on the field.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
- Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (28 first-place votes) Who else? Ohtani is running away with it. A 0.60 ERA on the mound and .825 OPS at the plate? He’s NL Pitcher of the Month and still a lineup wrecking ball. Doing both at this level makes him the runaway favorite – no debate.
Shohei Ohtani Pitching to Clinch World Series Berth Amid Hitting Slump
- Elly De La Cruz, Reds (7) Speed, power, and consistency finally clicking – De La Cruz has 10 homers, eight steals, and career-high on-base skills. He’s a walking game-changer.
- Matt Olson, Braves (3) Olson is demolishing the ball: leading MLB in doubles, extra-base hits, RBIs, total bases, and bWAR. Eleven homers and 1.030 OPS have the Braves off to a historic start. This is 2023 Olson all over again.
- Corbin Carroll, D-backs Back in the conversation with his blazing speed and pop – leading the majors in triples again. Pure threat every time he steps up.
- Nico Hoerner, Cubs Underrated superstar alert. Gold Glove defense, .301 average, and elite value make Hoerner the quiet force nobody wants to face.
Others receiving votes across both leagues include big names like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, and more rising talents ready to flip the script.
This early poll is loaded with tension – favorites under pressure, surprises making noise, and a long season that promises even more jaw-dropping twists. The MVP races are officially on fire!