The American League MVP race is heating up, and one of the most intriguing storylines is the battle between two of the league’s best players: Shohei Ohtani and Julio Rodriguez. While Ohtani has been the front-runner for much of the season, Rodriguez has been making a strong push in recent weeks. So, what are Julio Rodriguez’s chances of catching up to Shohei Ohtani in the American League MVP race?
The answer is that it’s certainly possible, but it won’t be easy. Ohtani has been one of the best players in the league all season long, and his numbers are hard to ignore. He leads the AL in home runs, RBIs, and batting average, and he’s also been a force on the mound. On the other hand, Rodriguez has been on an absolute tear since being called up in late July. He’s hitting .326 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs in just over a month of play.
The biggest factor in Rodriguez’s favor is the fact that he plays for a contending team. The Seattle Mariners are currently in the thick of the playoff hunt, and their success could be a major factor in determining the MVP. If Rodriguez can help lead the Mariners to a playoff berth, it would be hard to ignore his contributions.
Ultimately, it’s going to come down to how each player performs in the final weeks of the season. If Rodriguez can continue to hit at a high level and help lead his team to a playoff berth, he could have a legitimate chance at catching up to Ohtani in the MVP race. It won’t be easy, but it’s certainly possible.
