Gunnar Henderson – SS, Baltimore Orioles: (+450)
It’s unfortunate for Gunnar Henderson that Judge is stealing the spotlight right now, because if Henderson were in the NL, his 21 home runs, 47 RBIs, .971 OPS, and 4.5 fWAR would make him a leading MVP candidate.
Henderson, who won the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2023, could achieve something remarkable by following it up with an MVP, especially as an Orioles shortstop. Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. won the AL Rookie of the Year in 1982 before claiming the MVP in 1983. Baltimore also clinched a World Series title in the latter season.