MLB MVP Rankings: Soto, Betts take charge

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's 2024 Most Valuable Player rankings, where we look at the top five players in each league. Let's run through some of the best performances through the first month and a half of the season. Odds courtesy theScore Bet.

American League

5. Ryan Jeffers, Twins

Jeffers might belong on this list just for giving the world the home-run sausage. He also deserves a place for what he's done in the batter's box. Jeffers has been one of the catalysts in Minnesota's offensive resurgence after a difficult start to the season, leading the majors in slugging. The catcher has improved his strikeout rate, leading to more contact in the zone and more baseballs flying over the fence. The Twins have navigated IL stints for Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton so far this season. Jeffers' torrid start at the plate has enabled the club to remain competitive in a stronger-than-expected AL Central.

4. Kyle Tucker, Astros

The Astros have been MLB's biggest disappointment, but the blame shouldn't fall on Tucker's shoulders. He's been an offensive force at the plate, leading the AL in home runs (13) and wRC+ (181). Tucker finished fifth in MVP voting last season. The Astros will need him to keep up his career-best productivity if they hope to dig out of the early hole they've created for themselves in the AL West.

3. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals

Witt inked a long-term extension with the Royals in the offseason and has come out of the gates like a house on fire. The young star has improved his plate discipline, nearly doubling his walk rate from last season. Witt's defensive play at shortstop continues to rank among the league's best. He's in the 100th percentile in outs above average after finishing in the 98th percentile in 2023. Witt will be counted upon to continue to lead the way on both sides of the ball if Kansas City hopes to secure its first postseason berth since winning the 2015 World Series.

2. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles

It's not shocking that the Orioles have one of their young stars on this list. It may be a bit of a surprise, however, that it's Henderson and not catcher Adley Rutschman. Henderson's been the engine during Baltimore's strong start and is deserving of his place among the game's elite. Henderson became the youngest player ever to hit 10 home runs before May 1 and has improved nearly all of his batted-ball metrics from his 2023 Rookie of the Year performance. The 22-year-old has also made huge strides against left-handed pitching (.317) after mustering a .209 average against southpaws last year. Henderson could be a mainstay on MVP lists for the next decade.

1. Juan Soto, Yankees

Soto has been exactly as advertised in his first season in the Bronx. The offensive powerhouse has given a stagnant team a much-needed jolt. The Yankees have been missing a prolific power hitter from the left side to pair with Aaron Judge for years. Soto has fit like a glove in manager Aaron Boone's lineup while also showing a flair for the dramatic in big moments. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made the trade for Soto knowing that he would test free agency at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. After turning down a $440-million extension offer from the Nationals in 2022, it's abundantly clear that Soto will be looking for at least $500 million on a long-term deal. Soto is first in the AL in RBIs and on-base percentage, tied for second in fWAR, and is third in OPS.

National League

5. Alec Bohm, Phillies

Bohm had struggled to live up to expectations after finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 but has been excellent to start 2024. He's making more contact than ever, and the results have followed. Bohm is among the NL leaders in batting average and RBIs and is tied for the MLB lead in doubles as he's settled into the cleanup spot in Philadelphia's lineup. He should be able to put up big numbers if he can continue to build on a great start to the campaign.

4. Marcell Ozuna, Braves

Where would the Braves be without Ozuna? The veteran slugger has been a rock for manager Brian Snitker, helping keep Atlanta near the top of the NL East despite slower starts from Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. Ozuna became the fastest Brave to reach 40 RBIs since Hank Aaron in 1970. He leads the NL in that stat while also sitting inside the top five in a number of other offensive categories. It's been a remarkable return to form for Ozuna over the last 12 months, as he has 50 home runs, 138 RBIs, and a 164 wRC+ over 164 games since May 1, 2023.

3. William Contreras, Brewers

Contreras has been the engine of a surprisingly strong Brewers offense. He's helped keep Milwaukee afloat despite Christian Yelich spending time on the injured list with a back injury. Contreras cut his strikeout rate by nearly 8% in two years as he continues to show growth at the plate. The 26-year-old is among the leaders in almost every offensive category among NL catchers. Contreras is on pace to push past his breakout 2023 campaign in which he was worth 5.7 fWAR.

2. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

If not for his Dodgers teammate, Ohtani would be the easy pick for the top spot on the list. A third MVP would put Ohtani in elite company, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players in MLB history to win the award in both leagues. Many wondered what kind of numbers Ohtani would put up surrounded by incredible talent with the Dodgers after years in Anaheim. Through the season's first seven weeks, Ohtani is tearing the cover off the ball. He's top-five in the NL in home runs, OPS, wRC+, and fWAR.

1. Mookie Betts, Dodgers

There was some question about how Betts would handle the transition to shortstop after years as a Gold Glove outfielder. He's quickly silenced any doubts, grading out as an above-average defender while also putting up gaudy offensive numbers. Betts is the only player in baseball who could make such a drastic switch and somehow improve. That's what separates him from his teammate, Ohtani. The 31-year-old accrued 10.2 fWAR during his 2018 AL MVP campaign with the Boston Red Sox. He's on pace to eclipse that number this season.