6 Early-Season MVP Candidates You Haven't Noticed

All the fan-fare around the stellar starts of Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich and George Springer has drowned out the performances of other players deserving recognition. While not necessarily considered stars, there are players who have been having outstanding seasons that have been flying under the radar. These six guys have quietly pieced together MVP-caliber resumes.

6. Austin Meadows, Tampa Bay Rays

Toronto Blue Jays v Tampa Bay Rays / Mike Carlson

Meadows has blossomed into a premier offensive talent for the Tampa Bay Rays. In 39 games, he has a 1.127 OPS along with 31 runs batted in. His 197 wRC+ is tops in the AL among batters with a minimum of 100 plate appearances and is proof enough that he belongs in the MVP conversation. He's slashing a ridiculous .360/.437/.691 on the year with 12 homers, and is clearly in the midst of a breakout campaign.

5. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox

Cleveland Indians v Boston Red Sox / Adam Glanzman

In a roller coaster season, Xander Bogaerts has been one of the few constants for the Red Sox. His 2.6 fWAR is ninth-best in all of baseball. He boasts a .895 OPS, which marks a career high and is slashing .293/.381/.514 with 10 bombs and 37 RBI. Pair his offensive production with the quality defense he's playing, he has all the makings of an MVP candidate.

4. Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers v Pittsburgh Pirates / Justin Berl

Standing in the shade of Cody Bellinger's massive shadow has been Joc Pederson's illustrious season. Pederson sports a 1.019 OPS with 16 home runs and 30 RBI in just 153 at-bats. He's slugging .647 on the year and is setting career high's across the board with his offensive production. His teammate's accomplishments shouldn't overshadow his own MVP credentials.

3. Jorge Polanco, Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Jayne Kamin-Oncea

One of the many unsung heroes playing fantastic baseball for the scorching hot Minnesota Twins, Polanco is having a breakout season. He's slashing .335/.405/.583 with a 160 wRC+. He boasts 9 home runs already, surpassing his total from last season already, and he's also recorded 28 extra-base hits on the year. His 2.7 fWAR is good for fifth in the AL as he continues to piece together an MVP-worthy season.

2. Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals

Miami Marlins v Washington Nationals / Rob Carr

As is the case for Rendon every year, his offensive wonders have gone unrecognized. The Nationals third baseman has posted a 1.083 OPS, 174 wRC+ and .440 wOBA. He's slashing .320/.423/.660 with 10 homers and 34 RBI, despite hitting the IL for a short stint. By all measures, he has been one of the best offensive players in the game this year and deserves recognition for his work.

1. Gary Sánchez, New York Yankees

New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles / Rob Carr

Gary Sánchez, New York's destroyer of baseballs, has far and away been one of the best hitters in all of baseball this year. He's pounded out 17 home runs in 140 at-bats to the tune of a .993 OPS. He's made solid yet unnoticed strides on defense as well and has established himself as an MVP front runner this year. What other catcher can give you the counting stats that Sánchez provides?