Going into the All Star Break, the AL MVP Race through the rest of the season is going to be fun to watch, between Aaron Judge, Yordan Álvarez, Shohei Ohtani, and Jose Ramirez. This could be a race for the ages, but let's take a deeper dive.

reigning MVP

First, lets look at the reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani on both sides of the Ball:

Offensive Statistics:

360 PAs

.256/.342/.491

.354 wOBA

132 wRC+

10.8 BB%

23.9 K%

1.6 fWAR

Pitching Statistics:

81. IP

2.44 ERA

2.42 FIP

2.54 xFIP

33.9 CSW%

34.4 K%

6.2 BB%

2.6 fWAR

Though Ohtani’s offense has dipped slightly from his MVP Campaign last year, with his overall slashline taking a significant step back, wRC+ and extra base hits in general have both taken a step back, his pitching has taken a huge step up, which is a big factor for his candidacy. The way I can see Ohtani going back to back is if the next candidate slows down.

The Álvarez breakout

Yordan Álvarez this season has exploded into one of the best hitters in baseball.

Season Statistics:

316 PAs

.306/.405/.653

.442 wOBA

197 wRC+

13.6 BB%

18.0 K%

-1.4 BsR

-3 OAA

3 DRS

4.1 fWAR

Though Alvarez was placed on the 10-Day IL on 7/10, I still believe he will come back strong while continuing to produce, which will enable him to run away with the race if he produces like he had been up until his injury. His hitting so far this year has been unbelievable, but what particularly stands out to me is his slashline, getting on base at an elite clip, as well as slugging like one of the best in the game. Another significant area of his elite play are his K% and BB%, which he significantly improved both sides this year, lowering his K% below 20% and raising his BB% over 10%. This makes him incredibly difficult to get out. The only case for him likely not being the MVP is his rarity of innings in the outfield. Ohtani clearly has the advantage here due to the value he brings on the mound as well.

All rise

Let's take a look at the next of the four candidates, Aaron Judge.

Season Statistics:

365 PAs

.283/.361/.610

.405 wOBA

169 WRC+

11.2 BB%

25.5 K%

-0.1 BsR

3 OAA

-1 DRS

4.3 fWAR

Aaron Judge has been winning the bet he made on himself in April, as he is on pace for one of the greatest seasons by a Yankee all time, while playing for the best team in baseball right now. Though he has "slumped" over the last few weeks, his numbers still look astronomical. He is top 10 in wOBA, wRC+, fWAR, while having a standout slashline is good enough for me. Conflicting defensive metrics likely due to Judge playing Center Field on a more consistent Basis.

José Ramirez

Lets take a look at a perennial MVP Candidate.

Since 2020, José Ramirez has been playing some of the best yet some of the most underrated baseball in the sport, but let's look at how great he’s been for the Guardians this year.

Season Statistics:

345 PAs

.290/.371/.581

.400 wOBA

164 wRC+

11 BB%

9.9 K%

3.5 BsR

-3 DRS

1 OAA

4.2 fWAR

Though being edged out by Rafael Devers to start the All Star Game, Ramirez is doing as well as ever, walking more than he’s striking out, running the bases at an elite clip, and playing an above average third base. The .400 wOBA and 164 wRC+ with a K% of less than 10% is absolutely absurd. He could be the key to getting Cleveland back to the postseason. Ramirez is still one of the most dynamic players in the game, and rounds out my top four candidates.

The winner

So who would be the Winner?

Although this race is very close at the moment, I’d have to go with Yordan Álvarez. He's pretty easily been the best of the four, even though I believe this race will end up a lot closer than it seems right now. Álvarez is the favorite in my eyes. While he is mainly a DH, this does not really affect the debate due to how great he’s been. If he keeps this up, he’ll run away with the AL MVP award as he leads his team back to the Postseason.