The list of 2024 NL MVP candidates is already starting to take shape. Just over a month into the season, there are former MLB award winners among the top contenders for the NL MVP award, and that's no surprise. But there are also some younger players and surprise candidates.
Ranking of the top 5 current NL MVP contenders
Since the MVP vote is still a ways away, we don't want to get too far ahead. However, it looks like several players who got off to a fast start will have a chance to continue that throughout the season. That's why we thought an early look at the 2024 NL MVP candidates was relevant.
Shohei Otani
Unfortunately, the MVP won't be playing this year, meaning he'll have to win the MVP award based on his bat alone. However, this is not necessarily impossible for Shohei Ohtani, who is off to an impressive start with his new team.
During the early part of the season, Ohtani leads the league in batting average, home runs, and OPS. As expected, not having to worry about pitching made him a better hitter. Of course, since he's a DH and doesn't play the outfield, he'll have to deal with that stigma. But the way Ohtani is swinging the bat now, he'll be in the MVP discussion, especially if he can make a run for the Triple Crown.
Eli Dela Cruz
We're starting to see Elly De La Cruz develop before our eyes from a high-end prospect into a superstar. During the early part of the season, De La Cruz leads the major leagues in stolen bases while also not far behind the league leader in home runs with eight.
He still has some work to do in other areas of his game and needs to maintain his current pace throughout the season. However, his combination of power and speed has at least put De La Cruz on the MVP radar.
Marcel Ozuna
Just a few years ago, Marcell Ozuna looked like he'd been washed up. But now he looks like a potential MVP candidate. Ozuna quickly hit 10 home runs in 2024 and is also batting over .300. He has undoubtedly been Atlanta's best hitter to date, which is no easy feat.
Of course, as a full-time DH, the bar is a little higher for Ozuna if he wants to win an MVP award. However, based on early results, he has a chance to lead the league in both homers and RBI while also batting over .300. If it eventually happened, he would have a strong case.
Alec Boom
Alec Bohm is another surprise MVP candidate. Honestly, it's amazing to see him as the Phillies' best player during the first part of the season. But that's how 2024 has gone so far.
His home run numbers trail the league leaders, but Bohm rivals Ohtani for the best batting average and most doubles. Bohm also sits right behind Ozuna for the RBI lead while also achieving an OPS of around 1.000. It also helps that the Phillies are having a great season. If all of this continues, Bohm will be in the MVP discussion all season long.
Mookie Betts
Somehow, Mookie Betts went from being one of the greatest outfielders in MLB history to being a top-flight shortstop and a player with a chance to win MVP in both leagues.
Of course, Betts was named the American League Most Valuable Player in 2018. He's now off to the kind of start in 2024 that makes him the favorite.
Despite stagnation during the first week of May, Betts is putting up big numbers across the board, including a high average, plenty of extra base hits, and a healthy stolen base total. He also handles himself defensively in an elite position, which will make it difficult to beat him for the MVP award if he is able to perform at this level all year.
