AL MVP looks like Aaron Judge vs. Yordan Alvarez, but these players still have a chance

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 22: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Grace Hoppel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images The battle for American League MVP features plenty of star power and familiar names only a month into the 2026 MLB season. In the latest FanDuel Sportsbook American League MVP 2026 market , there are plenty of viable candidates trying to dethrone reigning back-to-back MVP Aaron Judge.

Unlike the NL MVP race — which has turned into Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani running away from most of the field — the AL MVP race still has eight players under 30/1 odds. On a quest to capture his fourth MVP award overall, Judge (+170), the New York Yankees outfielder, remains the frontrunner. The Yankees are off to a strong start and Judge is top-10 in home runs and OPS.

While Judge’s wasn’t particularly strong out of the gate, his consistency and history with the award lends him considerable credibility at this stage in the season. All it takes is one big power surge for Judge to grab a big lead in the race. After home runs in back-to-back games, Judge could be settling in for another big summer.

Keeping pace with Judge is Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (+270). Leading all of MLB in batting average, OPS and hits while tied for second in home runs, Alvarez is back in form after injuries derailed his 2025 season. Alvarez is on pace for his best season, but matching Judge’s power could prove difficult for a player who has never hit more than 37 home runs in a season.