re: It's the third inning and Manny Machado already has hit three home runs

You're wrong.

"Value" is a term that corresponds to the player's worth to the team.

Historically, CF production will be better than second base.

In other words, a team getting Altuve production from second that gets average CF production will be better off than a team getting Trout production with an average 2nd baseman.

But, I'm not expecting someone that dismisses the notion that Altuve is the MVP as a worthy discussion to comprehend this, so carry on.