Alright, baseball enthusiasts, let’s take a moment to collect ourselves because the American League MVP favorites for 2025 have been revealed, and there’s a glaring omission that’s raising eyebrows. Houston Astros’ powerhouse Yordan Alvarez was left off MLB.com’s list of top contenders, and it’s enough to leave Astros fans scratching their heads.

Let’s dig into the facts. Yordan Alvarez, primarily serving as a designated hitter, has been nothing short of spectacular.

He consistently brings an electrifying energy to the plate, racking up four consecutive seasons with 30+ home runs. The thought of him breaking into the 40-home-run club in 2025 isn’t just plausible; it’s expected.

Just look at what Shohei Ohtani accomplished last season without even taking the mound. He clinched the National League MVP title by simply focusing on his batting prowess.

So, what’s stopping Alvarez from getting the same recognition?

Now, let’s examine the players who made the cut: Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr., the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson, Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Cleveland Guardians’ Jose Ramirez. Each of these players shines in their own right, no doubt about that. Witt Jr. played his heart out, Judge led the Yankees to the World Series with stellar batting, although his fielding can sometimes be a topic of debate, and Ramirez consistently proves he’s one of baseball’s underrated talents, driving the Guardians to the ALCS last season.

So, why not Alvarez? With last season’s stats boasting a .308 average, 35 homers, and 86 RBIs, coupled with a .567 slugging percentage and a .959 OPS, Alvarez is a menace for pitchers everywhere.

His mere presence in the batter’s box commands respect, his left-handed swing sending shivers down the spine of every opponent. The Astros’ offense essentially orbits his formidable talent.

If Alvarez ends up seizing the AL MVP honor in 2025, it’ll be sweet vindication for Astros fans—and one big “I told you so” to every skeptic. Watch out, because Alvarez isn’t just here to play; he’s here to dominate. And when that happens, we might just look back at today’s list with a chuckle and a knowing nod.