MLB MVP 2014: Breaking Down the Best Candidates in Both Leagues

As the 2014 MLB season concludes, it’s time to start focusing on the yearly awards. The most prestigious and often debated honor has to be that of league MVP.

This year is no different. There are several qualified candidates, including a few pitchers who are directly in the mix to take home the hardware.

With less than a week remaining in the season, let’s discuss the leading MVP candidates in each league.

American League

Mike Trout

The Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout is one of the leaders in the American League for good reason. The outfielder is often discussed as one of the best young players in the sport for his ability to affect the game in so many ways.

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Despite not having his best statistical year, his numbers are quite impressive. Trout leads the AL in runs, RBI, total bases and wins above replacement. His 35 home runs and 110 RBI are also new career highs.

Trout has an additional edge over certain players this season because of his ability to play a fantastic center field. With several pitchers in the discussion, defense has to be a point of conversation in choosing the MVP.

What might put Trout over the edge for the award is the fact that his team is successful. The Angels missed the postseason in years past, but their first AL West title since 2009 could propel Trout in the eyes of the voters.

It would be a real shock if anyone but Trout took home the award. He’s the best player on the best team in baseball, and his stats back up his play. Trout is one of the most polarizing athletes in sports and should win AL MVP.

Felix Hernandez

One of the other top players in the AL this season was pitcher Felix Hernandez. It’s quite rare that a pitcher would actually be considered for the MVP award, but in 2014, there are a few of them too good to keep out of the discussion.

Hernandez has posted another season of incredible statistics. Although they aren’t at the level of one Clayton Kershaw, they are still very good.

He leads the league in WHIP and is among the leaders in innings pitched. During one stretch of the season, Hernandez had 16 straight starts in which he pitched at least seven innings and surrendered two earned runs or fewer.

JOHN FROSCHAUER/Associated Press

Like Trout, another factor that may garner votes for Hernandez is his team’s play. The Seattle Mariners are nine games over .500 and only three back of a playoff spot. If the pitcher can somehow lead his team into the postseason during this final week, Hernandez will have to be realistically considered for AL MVP. 

National League

Clayton Kershaw

As mentioned, the National League has a pitcher worthy of being called MVP, too. The LA Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw has put together one of the most dominant seasons ever in 2014.

Besides innings pitched and strikeouts, Kershaw leads the NL in pretty much every pitching statistic—and it’s not even close.

The pitcher is 20-3 with an ERA of 1.80, an 0.86 WHIP and a WAR of 7.3. He’s put together arguably one of the best seasons on the mound that we’ve seen in some time.

Like the other candidates, his team has been quality, too. The Dodgers hold a 4.5-game lead in the NL West and should be able to make the playoffs once again.

Justin Verlander received the AL MVP in 2011, but before that, the last pitcher to do so was Dennis Eckersley in 1992. Based on the statistics and how he affects his team, Kershaw is more than deserving of the NL MVP.

Like Trout, it seems as though Kershaw is the clear front-runner. It’s odd to say that about someone who only plays every five days, but the pitcher’s influence on the Dodgers and in baseball in general is amazing. Kershaw could end up being one of the best pitchers of all time, and his 2014 campaign will be remembered in that conversation.

Giancarlo Stanton

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

The player closest to taking the award from the Dodgers’ pitcher is the Miami Marlins’ youngster Giancarlo Stanton. The 24-year-old has had an incredible season helping his team become competitive once again.

Stanton leads the NL in total bases, home runs and WAR while being among the leaders in OPS and RBI. He’s the best player on his team and one of the best power hitters in baseball.

A big reason Stanton is in the conversation is his effect on the Marlins. The team only won 62 games in 2013, while this season, they’re already at 74. His emergence has sparked Miami into real contenders.

Unfortunately for the Marlins, the team has been eliminated from playoff contention. Although it’s not a requirement, most MVPs play for teams playing in October. Another negative is the slugger was recently hit in the face with a pitch and won’t play again in 2014.

Even though it’s going to be difficult to top what Kershaw has done, Stanton has had an incredible year. He’s without a doubt a top candidate and will be for years to come.

Advanced stats courtesy of ESPN.com.