As the new MLB season approaches, the superstars will dominate the odds for AL and NL MVP. Below are some under the radar players who have a real chance to win the award.
AL MVP Odds: +8000 via Fanduel
Byron Buxton is one of the best outfielders in baseball when he is on the field. Last season, Buxton played in 126 games with .264/.878/.327 splits. To go along with those impressive numbers, Buxton hit 35 home runs and drove in 83. Last season was a step in the right direction for Buxton who showed off the combination of speed and power.
A lot has to happen for Buxton to win the AL MVP, but there is always a chance. He will have to be on the field more than he’s been. Playing 126 in 2025 is much better than previous seasons, but still not enough to bring home an MVP award. Another key attribute to winning MVP is team success. The Twins look to be rebuilding at the moment, but have a young talented roster who could make noise in a weak division.
At 32 years old, the time is now for Buxton to cash in on a monumental season. The Twins franchise cornerstone will have to be on the field and play his best season yet for chance at AL MVP.
NL MVP Odds: +5000 via Fanduel
Jackson Chourio is entering his third major league season in 2026. he will be 22 years old when the season starts, and is poised for massive season. In 2025, Chourio played in 131 games, and had .270/.770/.308 splits with 21 home runs. A very solid season for most players, but for Chourio that would be considered a down season. The Brewers are so confident in this kid, they gave him a massive long term extension before he even debuted.
The Brewers were a very competitive team last season and should be as well as in 2026. Chourio looks to have a healthier and more productive season in 2026 increasing his production and statistics. A player who can hit for average, power, play great defense, and steal bags will always be in the MVP conversation. It all comes down to health and growth for a player like Jackson Chourio.
Many are predicting an All-Star caliber season for Chourio, but some think he can reach heights of a MVP campaign in 2026. Only time will tell, but watch out for the young outfielder in Milwaukee this year.
AL MVP Odds: +5000 via Fanduel
Wyatt Langford is in the conversation for most underrated player in baseball. The last couple seasons for Langford have been extremely productive. He’s dealt with some injuries but plays around 130 games a season. Looking back to 2025, Langford had .241/.775/.344 splits with 22 home runs. Those numbers don’t blow you away, but are impressive for a guy entering only his third season of major league baseball.
The Texas Rangers had another disappointing season in 2025, but made a lot changes and look much better heading into this season. Langford is at the forefront of the Rangers plans, being one of the franchise cornerstones for years to come. His ability to hit for power and contact is what got him drafted 4th overall just a couple of years ago.
A healthy season for Wyatt Langford in year three, could be a massive breakout. Not only will Langford be a productive hitter, but his impact on the bases and in the field make him one of the best players in baseball. Wyatt Langford is a name to watch in 2026 for many awards including MVP.
AL MVP Odds: +1700 via Fanduel
Gunnar Henderson is entering his fourth season at the MLB level and is poised for an MLB caliber season. The former top prospect has been a great shortstop in the early stages of his career. Henderson won the AL rookie of the year award in 2023 as well as a silver slugger award. The next award on his bucket list is the American League MVP.
Henderson missed the beginning of the 2025 season, but started to look like himself in the second half. Gunnar finished the season with .274/.787/.349 splits while hitting 17 home runs. Not the season Henderson or the Orioles wanted, but in 2026 they both look to improve.
Gunnar Henderson has the best odds on this list for many reasons. A great fielder at the shortstop position, hits for power and average, and is on a young talented team. Many experts believe Gunnar Henderson can take the next leap into the Bobby Witt Jr. territory next season.
NL MVP Odds: +3500 via Fanduel
Kyle Tucker will be on his third team in the last three seasons. His signing with the Dodgers was talked about for weeks, and that explains the caliber of player Kyle Tucker. Last season in Chicago, his numbers don’t wow you, but how much of that was the fit in Wrigley and his overall health. In 2025, Tucker had .266/.841/.377 splits which didn’t meet his nor the Cubs standards. 2026 looks to be a big season for Tucker and how he will contribute to the best team in baseball.
The lineup around him will give him countless opportunities to drive in runs. In years prior to 2025, Tucker averages around 30 home runs per season and 100 RBIs. This Dodgers team will be the best club Tucker has been apart of, so expect those numbers and more. In terms of team success, this Dodgers team isn’t just a contender but THE contender in the National League.
All these factors are shaping up for Kyle Tucker to have his best season of his career. Kyle just needs to stay on the field and contribute like the elite player he is. The attention will most likely be on a different Dodger this season, but keep an eye out for Kyle Tucker in 2026.
All of the following players will have difficult paths to MVP this season. In the AL, players like Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Bobby Witt Jr exist and in the NL your’re competing against Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuna Jr. In baseball anything can happen, players get hurt, have down seasons, or completely break out. The guys on this list are not only stars, but have the ability to be superstars at any given moment. The betting companies know their long shots, but these players will be in the MVP conversation by the end of the season.
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