Updated look at AL MVP race during All-Star break

With the first half of the 2021 MLB season in the books and currently sitting at the All-Star break, it is a good time to look at the MVP race in the American League. Before the season began, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout was the favorite to win the MVP with +200 odds.

However, Trout suffered a significant injury in May, which has sidelined him indefinitely. With Trout on the IL, it has opened up the door for Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Xander Bogaerts, or Rafael Devers to win the award. Here, we’ll take a look at our favorite picks to win AL MVP award. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Favorite to win — Shohei Ohtani (-275)

It is going to come down either Ohtani or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the AL MVP in the second half of the 2021 season. But the ultimate winner will be the two-way superstar in Ohtani. The 27-year-old has dominated the competition at the plate and on the mound. Ohtani leads the majors with 33 HRs (career-high), 70 RBI, and a .279 average. He also has 4 triples, which is the best in the league. On the mound, the 6-foot-4 star is 4-1 with a 3.49 ERA, along with 87 strikeouts and 67.0 IP. The only way Vladdy Jr. can take away the AL MVP crown is if he can win the triple or crown or help the Jays get back into the postseason.

Dark horse/sleeper pick — Matt Olson (+5000)

I wanted to go with either Bogaerts or Devers from the Red Sox, but they’ll likely split votes. Therefore, the next best dark horse pick is Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson. The 27-year-old first baseman is having one of his best seasons at the plate, slugging a career-best .282 with 23 HRs and 59 RBI. Olson’s production is one of the reasons why Oakland is only 3.5 games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West. If the Athletics can overtake the Astros for AL West crown, then Olson could improve his odds for the AL MVP.

AL MVP odds

Shohei Ohtani -275
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. +200
Xander Bogaerts +3500
Rafael Devers +4000
Byron Buxton +5000
Marcus Semien +5000
Mike Trout +5000
Aaron Judge +5000
Jose Ramirez +5000
Jose Abreu +5000
Yordan Alvarez +5000
Matt Olson +5000
JD Martinez +5000
Nelson Cruz +5500
Yermin Mercedes +6000
Gerrit Cole +6000
Giancarlo Stanton +6000
Bo Bichette +6000
Yoan Moncada +7000
Tim Anderson +7000

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