The 2024 MLB season is heading into June and that means teams are solidifying themselves for the rest of the year.

Now only teams, but players alike are finding their groove at this point of the year. In the American League, there are many options for the MVP award, with one players standing out above others.

Below, check out the early list of candidates for the AL MVP award.

4. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

Gunnar Henderson was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 2023. It is only right that he continues to thrive and is up for the MVP award the very next year. On a young and talented Orioles’ roster, Henderson sticks out above the rest. He is tied for second in the AL with 17 home runs and has 37 RBI. He is hitting .259 with an OPS at .931. Baltimore is going to be one of the best teams in baseball this season and Henderson’s bat will be a major contributor.

3. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

Remember when Aaron Judge was struggling for the first month of the season? Neither do we. Over the last month, Judge has been arguably the best player in the league.

Judge, who won MVP in 2022, has a chance to add another this season. First, he is staying healthy. Judge has played in every game during the hot start for the New York Yankees. He leads the league with 18 doubles, a .622 slugging percentage, and 1.029 OPS. Judge has 17 home runs and has driven in 39 runs.

2. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals gave Bobby Witt Jr. an 11-year, $288 million contract in the offseason. In 2024, all the 23-year-old star has done is make it worth every penny early on. Witt Jr. is tied for the league lead with 67 hits and 48 runs scored. He is hitting .303 with nine home runs and 36 RBI. Witt Jr. is getting on base at a .360 clip with 16 stolen bases. The Royals are having a turnaround campaign to this point and Witt Jr.’s presence is the reason why.

1. Juan Soto, New York Yankees

There has been no bigger trade in recent memory than Juan Soto being acquired by the Yankees. Will he stay in the Bronx? Will he leave in free agency? At this point, it doesn’t matter. Just enjoy what Soto has done in pinstripes already and enjoy what could be a World Series run for the Yankees.

Soto is currently the favorite to win the AL MVP award, which would be the first of his career. He has played in every game this season and leads the league in plate appearances and hits with 67. Soto is getting on base at an incredible .408 clip while batting .312. He has added 11 home runs, 11 doubles, and 46 RBI. New York fans are quickly learning that they acquired the best all-around bat in baseball during the offseason.