Mookie Betts with the World Series Trophy. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Dustin Pedroia was named American League Most Valuable Player 10 years ago. The last Red Sox outfielder to win the award was Jim Rice 30 years ago.
Tonight, we can update both lists.
Mookie Betts is up for MVP against Mike Trout and Jose Ramirez, and he's the favorite after leading baseball in average, slugging, runs, and Wins Above Replacement. The World Series champ, All-Star, Gold Glover, Silver Slugger recipient, and new dad is also the first batting champ in MLB history to produce a 30-30 season with 32 homers and 30 steals.
Betts recently addressed where winning a championship ranks among his career milestones.
"Number one, number one so far in my baseball career, and it's gonna be tough to beat," he said.
Hard to imagine an MVP topping the list, but it'd be a well deserved honor. Betts was the runner-up to Trout in 2016.
Sox teammate J.D. Martinez didn't make the cut among the finalists this year, but don't be surprised if he finishes fourth on the ballot.
WBZ NewsRadio's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports