Early MLB MVP Value - By ASA

American League

Even at the ripe age of 34, Salvador Perez is off to a smoking hot start in 2024. He is 3rd in RBI’s in the AL, and is a huge reason the Royals are well above .500 for the first time in what seems like an eternity. Perez is an everyday player, and in 2021 he led all of MLB in RBIs (121) while hitting 48 homers, missing only one single game that year. The past 3 AL MVP winners have averaged at least .290 and hit in 109 RBIs, leaving plenty of room for the Royals catcher who is on pace to surpass both easily. Perez is lacking in the home run category, but only trails the MLB leader by seven, and has put up massive home run numbers in the past. Kansas City’s veteran could be right in the MVP mix come September and his numbers warrant a small investment. 

Adolis Garcia was the star of the postseason last year, putting the Rangers on his back, delivering in every big moment needed. His previous three regular seasons have been extremely consistent, hitting right about .250, 30HRs, and 100RBIs. With his notoriety now through the roof, a slight jump in his fourth year numbers could result in some individual hardwear. If you average Garcia’s 2023 postseason numbers over a year, you get 86 homers and 237 ribbies. Obviously unsustainable during a year but it's a glimpse at his ceiling when playing the best pitchers in the biggest moments. Texas will need all Garcia has to offer to get into the playoffs and defend their Championship.  

National League

Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani are rightfully the two heaviest favorites for NL MVP, having won three of the past 6 between them. Yet, the Phillies have 2 time MVP Bryce Harper leading them to the current best record in baseball. Harper's average is down, but his HRs are right on pace (38) to match his two MVP seasons while his RBI pace would smash his MVP seasons. Harper is a huge name, coupled with Philly being the possible top seed in the NL, there is value elsewhere than the Dodgers in the MVP race.   

Elly De La Cruz (+3600) .256 avg/ 9HR/ 22RBI 

Cincinnati is last in the NL Central but Elly De La Cruz is a walking highlight at only 22 years old. His slugging numbers are up from his first action in 2023, almost already surpassing his home run total from 98 games last year. De La Cruz has all the tools needed to be an MVP, it is just a matter of time when he puts it all together. The NL MVP odds are very top heavy and only a big name with superstar potential could get into the conversation down the stretch. The Reds young stud will need to carry the offensive load in order to keep their season alive past summer, and if so, may arrive early to the MLB elites list.