The AL race looks sewed up, but the NL is wide open
In many sports, when the end of the season approaches, people begin to talk about who will be crowned the league’s MVP.
Being the most valuable player in any sport does not just mean they are the greatest player. These players should be able to change any game they are in at any moment. It should be someone who does not shy away when things get tough. This player should be able to embrace the rough moments and play the best they possibly can.
As the marathon that is the MLB Regular Season winds down, the league’s best will be voted on for American League and National League MVP.
In the American League, the race really is not that close. All-world outfielder Mike Trout commands the American League MVP crown. Trout has arguably been the most impactful player on any team in the Majors. As of Sept. 24, Trout is tied for the AL lead in home runs and leads the league OPS, intentional walks and WAR (wins above replacement). If Trout wins, he would be the 11th person in MLB History to be named MVP three times.
Despite a foot injury in early September ending his season early, expect Trout to take home MVP honors.
The National League Race is a much closer race with Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich and Anthony Rendon all battling to be named the MVP. All three are on good teams and all three have the numbers necessary to take home the award.
Dodgers golden boy Cody Bellinger is the current NL MVP favorite. Bellinger leads the National League with 20 intentional walks and 341 total bases. Bellinger is also trying to catch Met’s rookie Pete Alonso for the home run crown. Most importantly for Bellinger, he has been the best player on the league’s best team.
Washington Nationals’ slugger Rendon has batted .336 with a .456 OBP and a .609 slugging percentage, over his last 30 games. Rendon has become a very reliable bat in the lineup. The only thing hurting Rendon is his name recognition. Bellinger is a former rookie of the year on the best team in the NL, and Yelich already has an MVP himself. Heck, Yelich and Bellinger have even done commercials together. Rendon is the underdog, but that does not mean he is undeserving.
For Christian Yelich, the race is still winnable despite being out the rest of the season with a broken kneecap. His numbers for the Brewers outfielder speak for themselves. Yelich leads the NL in batting average (.329) and on-base percentage (.429). He was also amongst the few that were vying for the home crown. Yelich was the 2018 MVP, so a repeat winner could be in the cards.