KC Royals: Who Has Been The MVP So Far

May 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third basemen Mike Moustakas (8) warms up during batting practice prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

The fact that Mike Moustakas is even mentioned in the top five of a team MVP debate is staggering considering he wasn’t even good enough to be on the team for part of last season.

To even be in this discussion is even more astounding.

However, the fourth-year veteran has earned any accolades he receives for rededicating himself at the plate.

And it wasn’t just improving hand-eye coordination or making an adjustment to his stance. As Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports wrote earlier this month, it is a 180 degree change in approach (including bunting) that has allowed the third baseman to slash .322/.377/.483.

To put that in perspective his slash a season ago was .212./.271/.361.

While the home runs (5) and RBI (16) could be a little higher, his average leads the team and his defense, like many of his teammates, has been stellar as well. For the Sabermetric fans, his 1.7 Offensive WAR is also tops on the team.

His success may be getting a slight boost because of just how awful he was last season, but that’s ok. His improvement has no doubt inspired the team, and the Royals are much better off because of it.

Besides, who else in MLB is beating the shift like this (especially against one of the best pitchers in baseball)?

Next: No. 1 First For A Reason