1. Mike Trout, Angels - Last season Trout set career highs in on-base percentage (.460), HR (39), walks (122) and OPS + (199) and still finished runner-up in the MVP voting because we have become accustomed to how great he really is. By far the best player in the game right now and perhaps ever when all is said and done. If Trout played on the east coast he would already have 5 MVP Awards to his name and if he played on a playoff team it would be 6.
2. Mookie Betts, Red Sox - Not the biggest guy on the baseball diamond but Betts played like a giant last season in getting his first MVP Award. While his postseason stats weren't great he still helped the Red Sox win the World Series, won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger along with his MVP hardware and a ridiculous 10.9 WAR season (21st best all-time) to boot.
3. Francisco Lindor, Indians - I'll always admit I got a soft spot for short stops because to me it's the 2nd hardest position to play in the game after catcher. What Lindor has been doing his first 4 seasons at SS is mind boggling. Last season he set career highs in runs (MLB leading 129), HRs (38), RBI (92), SB (25), OPS (.871) and WAR (7.9) and he hasn't even reached his mid 20's. It's gonna be scary to see what kind of numbers Lindor puts up when he reaches his peak (age 26-29).
4. Max Scherzer, Nationals - Since Scherzer joined the Nationals the two-eyed cyclop has been the game's best pitcher. Scherzer almost joined Greg Maddux/Randy Johnson elite status last season by winning his 3rd straight Cy Young but finished 2nd to deGrom. Not many pitchers ever live up to their big contracts in their mid 30's but Scherzer has been a bargain for the Nats.
5. Nolan Arenado, Rockies - Baseball's newest member of the $200 million club might be the most underrated superstar in the game. Arenado has won a Gold Glove in all 6 of his MLB seasons while averaging 40 HR, 130 RBI, and 350 total bases. The games best 3B will be looking to win his first MVP Award this season after finishing the top 8 the past 4 seasons.
6. Jacob deGrom, Mets - deGrom was more known for his long hair and being Thor's teammate before his Cy Young performance last season. With his new hair cut deGrom put up an incredible 1.70 ERA, 10 WAR, while striking out 269 batters in 217 innings.
7. Christian Yelich, Brewers - Yelich 1st season in Milwaukee was a rousing success as he captured his first MVP Award while helping the Brewers reach the postseason by winning the NL Central. Yelich won his first batting title (.326) and also led the league in SLG (.598) and OPS (1.000) while hitting a career high 36 HRs, 110 RBI, and 22 SB. Just entering his prime the Brewers have Yelich locked up till his 30's hit at a bargain price tag.
8. Manny Machado, Padres - Manny used his free agency year to put up career highs in HR (37), RBI (107), OPS (.905) and get a huge contract with the Padres where he will go back to 3B to play platinum glove defense. While he isn't known for his hustle Machado will be looked upon to lead a young Padres club that is loaded with young talent.
9. Corey Kluber, Indians - I feel almost ashamed to have the "Klubot" this low on the list. The 2-time Cy Young winner won 20 games for the first time last season while leading the league in innings pitched (215), striking out 222 and only walking 34 batters. He's finished in the top 3 in Cy Young voting 4 of the last 5 seasons and only getting stronger.
10. Ronald Acuna Jr, Braves - Our youngest player on the list (20) Acuna took the major leagues by storm and won the Rookie of the Year while hitting 26 HR and posting a .917 OPS. Only greats like Mike Trout and Ken Griffey Jr. whom Acuna has been compared to put up similar numbers at a young age.
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