Christian Yelich

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 League5. Ryan Jeffers, Twins David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 35 9 30 21 .292/.371/.617 1.8 N/A 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 Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 13 29 28 .277/.399/.595 2.4 +1600 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 Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 5 21 38 .304/.369/.518 2.7 +260 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 Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 12 27 30 .264/.339/.553 2.3 +400 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 Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 42 9 34 27 .314/.414/.541 2.3 +200 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 League5. Alec Bohm, Phillies Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 4 33 21 .329/.394/.520 2.0 +2000 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 Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 38 12 40 24 .329/.413/.636 1.8 +2000 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 Acu a 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 Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 5 30 38 .354/.433/.528 2.3 +2000 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 Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 11 28 33 .354/.422/.659 2.6 +300 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 Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 7 28 35 .341/.440/.553 2.9 +160 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.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

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 League5. Ryan Jeffers, Twins David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 35 9 30 21 .292/.371/.617 1.8 N/A 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 Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 13 29 28 .277/.399/.595 2.4 +1600 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 Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 5 21 38 .304/.369/.518 2.7 +260 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 Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 40 12 27 30 .264/.339/.553 2.3 +400 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 Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 42 9 34 27 .314/.414/.541 2.3 +200 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 League5. Alec Bohm, Phillies Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 4 33 21 .329/.394/.520 2.0 +2000 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 Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 38 12 40 24 .329/.413/.636 1.8 +2000 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 Acu a 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 Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 5 30 38 .354/.433/.528 2.3 +2000 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 Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 41 11 28 33 .354/.422/.659 2.6 +300 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 Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty GP HR RBI R AVG/OBP/SLG WAR ODDS 43 7 28 35 .341/.440/.553 2.9 +160 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.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.Wednesday was another successful night on the diamond as we once again won two of three best bets.We'll look to keep the momentum going with a couple more plays for Thursday's small card.Cardinals (-130) @ Brewers (+110)Sonny Gray is pitching as well as anybody right now. He's 4-1 with a 0.89 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP, and he's struck out 38 batters over just 30 innings of work.He's hammering the zone with strikes and wasting very few pitches. Gray's also giving up next to no quality contact. His barrel rate of 4.2% is approximately half the league average, while he has an extremely low xwOBA of .243. Gray's inducing grounders nearly 50% of the time, and his fly-ball rate of 23.9% is below average. He's posting remarkably strong numbers across the board.He should produce another quality start against a struggling Brewers offense. They've scored just seven total runs against the past seven right-handed starters faced.Getting Christian Yelich back from injury will help Milwaukee, but those outputs are still extremely concerning given the cast of characters the Brewers met in that time.Brady Singer, Seth Lugo, Javier Assad, Jameson Taillon, Hayden Wesneski, Zach Eflin, and Ryan Pepiot are a decent batch of pitchers, but it's not like the Brewers have run into a string of aces. Most of those guys are 3-5 pitchers.Gray is a big step up in class from what the Brewers have dealt with of late. He should keep their offense in check, positioning the Cardinals very well to break their losing streak.If the Cardinals' offense can muster up any sort of run support against Tobias Myers - who's conceded nine runs through 13 innings this season - they stand a great chance of winning this game.Bet: Cardinals (-130)Erick Fedde: Over 15.5 outsFedde's on a nice little run. He's recorded 17 or more outs in three of his past four starts, falling short only against the Cardinals.I think he's in a great spot to bounce back and chew up innings against the Guardians. They're a very good team but swing at a lot of pitches and don't draw many walks. That leads to a lot of balls put in play, which helps pitchers avoid extended at-bats and keep their pitch count low.Each of the nine previous right-handed starters the Guardians have faced managed to record 16 or more outs. The lone exception was Kenta Maeda, who allowed eight baserunners in just two innings of work a few days ago.So long as Fedde can avoid a hit parade, he has a great chance of going over this number. That doesn't seem a lot to ask - Fedde's allowed four or fewer hits in four of his past five starts.It's also worth noting Fedde is sporting a great .243 xwOBA against left-handed bats over the past month, and the Guardians' lineup is loaded with them.Odds: -125 (playable to -140)Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Brewers reinstated outfielder Christian Yelich from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game in Kansas City.

The Brewers reinstated Yelich (back) from the 10-day injured list Wednesday. He'll serve as the Brewers' designated hitter and will bat third in the team's series finale in Kansas City.