The future of the MLB is in incredibly good hands right now. We have witnessed the league change dramatically in recent years as various players have broken out in markets nationwide. While the odds of any unheralded players winning this year’s MVP are low, with favourites like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna, and Freddie Freeman penciled in on gambling sites, the future will bring change.
Over the next several years, we will likely see some talented players who are currently breaking out move up to that MVP level. But which current up-and-coming players seem like the likeliest to enter that top-tier discussion? Let’s look at some of the options.
Bobby Witt Jr.
Bobby Witt Jr. is the clear face of the franchise for the Kansas City Royals. He is the star that will lead them out of a long, brutal rebuild. Witt Jr. is a rare talent who combines power and speed at the highest level. He seems likely to have a 30-home run, 40-steal season at just 23 years of age. He had a hot streak this season that had operators like PowerPlay sports betting listing him as a real MVP contender this season. While that won’t pan out, keep your eyes on Witt going forward.
Julio Rodriguez
Julio Rodriguez was a popular MVP choice on sports betting sites at the start of the season, with high odds. That didn’t pan out, as Rodriguez and the Mariners started the season on a terrible cold streak. The vibes have shifted, and now Rodriguez is having a dominant second half of the year, leading the Mariners back to relevancy and into the heart of the playoff field. J-Rod has all the tools a team could want in a star. He is incredibly athletic, an aggressive baserunner, and has a lot of power. He plays the game with an infectious charisma that draws fans in.
Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson was one of the youngest players to appear on an Opening Day roster this season, and all he has done is back that faith up. Henderson started the year ice cold, but the Orioles stuck with him, and he has rewarded them with a year that has many believing he’ll finish as the AL Rookie of the Year. Henderson is on pace for over 25 home runs and has stabilized the hot corner for the rising Orioles. At just 22, he will only get better, and he will likely be a longtime MVP contender.
Corbin Carroll
Corbin Carroll is a special talent who has already set the MLB world on fire. Carroll’s elite in so many facets of the game. He has more than 40 steals, is on pace for more than 25 home runs, and has been a solid fielder. He has revitalized a Diamondbacks franchise that has been wallowing in the mud for the past several years. Carroll has his team in the heart of a playoff chase, and he is likely the biggest candidate why. At 23, he is one of the best players in all of baseball and will be one of the favourites for MVP next season.
Eury Perez
Very few pitchers ever win the MVP award, so projecting this type of career for Perez is not easy. However, he is a special talent. If Perez can stay healthy, he will be one of the game’s elite pitchers for the next decade-plus. Perez has an imposing 6’7 figure and brings the heat on the mound. At just 20, he is a young phenom. Perez has a 2.86 ERA on the season, and while the Marlins have gone light with him, he has shown that he is arguably the top young pitcher in the sport.