MLB MVP Race 2026
AL and NL Most Valuable Player candidates tracked throughout the 2026 season. Updated as the race develops.
The 2026 MLB MVP race promises to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. The American League features a loaded field of elite sluggers, while the National League has multiple candidates capable of a 50-home run, .340 batting average type of season. Both races will be closely watched from Opening Day through the final weeks of the regular season.
The MVP award, voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), weighs statistics, team performance, and the subjective notion of "value" — a concept that has evolved significantly with advanced analytics. Players on playoff-caliber teams historically receive bonus consideration, though exceptional seasons on struggling teams can still win the award.
This tracker covers the top candidates in both leagues, the criteria voters use, and a history of the award's greatest winners. Check back throughout the season as the race evolves.
American League MVP Candidates
Top AL players heading into the 2026 season
Perennial AL MVP contender; elite home run threat with Gold Glove defense
AL MVP 2022
Elite power-on-base combination; Silver Slugger every year he's healthy
AL MVP runner-up
Premium offensive shortstop in a lineup built to score runs
2x World Series MVP
Elite bat with consistent .300/30+ HR production; breakout awaited
AL HR co-champion
Young superstar on the rise; all-around contributor on playoff-caliber team
AL ROY 2023
National League MVP Candidates
Top NL players heading into the 2026 season
Consistent .300+ hitter in baseball's best lineup; clutch performer
NL MVP 2020, WS MVP 2024
Power-speed star; 40-40 upside when fully healthy
NL MVP 2023
Multi-category elite; makes everything around him better
AL MVP 2018
Veteran presence; elite OBP and RBI production in Cardinals lineup
NL MVP 2022
Electrifying young talent; 5-tool superstar development underway
NL ROY contender
How the MLB MVP Award is Decided
The Most Valuable Player award is voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). Two writers from each of the 30 MLB markets submit ballots, selecting 10 players in order of preference. The voting system awards 14 points for a first-place vote, 9 for second, 8 for third, and continues down to 1 point for 10th place.
Traditional vs. Analytics-Based Criteria
MVP voting has evolved significantly with the advanced analytics era. Older voters still weigh traditional stats — batting average, home runs, RBI — heavily. Younger voters incorporate WAR (Wins Above Replacement), wRC+, and OPS+ into their analysis. This tension between traditional and analytical thinking often creates fascinating debates and split decisions.
The Team Performance Factor
Historically, being on a playoff team significantly boosts an MVP candidate's chances. Voters often struggle to give the award to a player whose team finishes last in the division, even if his statistics are superior. However, exceptional individual seasons can overcome this bias — as seen when Mike Trout won MVP awards despite the Angels missing the playoffs.
The most compelling MVP races tend to involve clear leaders by season's end, but tight races where two players have strong but different cases — one with better traditional stats on a winning team, another with superior analytics on a lesser team — produce the most spirited BBWAA debates.
Multiple MVP Winners
Players who won the award more than twice
MVP Race 2026 FAQ
How is the MLB MVP award decided?
Two BBWAA writers from each MLB city vote, selecting 10 players. Points: 14 for 1st, 9 for 2nd, 8 for 3rd, down to 1 for 10th. The player with the most total points wins.
Can a pitcher win the MLB MVP?
Yes, though it's rare. Bob Gibson (1968), Clayton Kershaw (2014), and Shohei Ohtani are examples. Ohtani is uniquely positioned as a two-way player contributing as both hitter and pitcher.
Has any player won multiple consecutive MVPs?
Barry Bonds won four consecutive MVPs (2001-2004). Mike Trout won 3 (2014, 2016, 2019). Dale Murphy, Jim Ringo, and others won back-to-back awards.
When is the 2026 MLB MVP announced?
The 2026 MVP is announced in November, the week after the World Series. Both AL and NL MVPs are announced on the same day, after the Cy Young awards are revealed.
What stats do MVP voters look at?
Traditional stats (AVG, HR, RBI) alongside analytics (WAR, wRC+, OPS+). Team success matters significantly. Voters also consider consistency, milestone achievements, and whether a player "carried" their team.