The 2016 National League MVP race is much more exciting than last years, as there is no obvious winner as there was last year when Bryce Harper seemed to have it locked up by the end of April. With that being said, here is my list of the top 5 NL MVP candidates in order.
5. Nolan Arenado(Colorado Rockies)
There is no doubt that Arenado is one of the premier stars in the league, after leading the league in home runs and runs batted in a year ago, he's right up there again. Arenado is one of the most exciting players in baseball, with the combination of his great defense and offense. Arenado is currently leading the NL with 35 home runs and 112 runs batted in. I'd love to have Arenado higher on this list, because I think he is one of the top 3 players in baseball, but Colorado will not make it to the playoffs once again, which takes away some of his value, because lets face it, the best player in the league almost has be on a playoff team unless he's having the best year by a wide margin.
4. Anthony Rizzo(Chicago Cubs)
For the third year in a row, Rizzo is having a great year, but this time he's on the best team in the league. The 26 year old first baseman is a leader in the Cubs clubhouse, and for good reason. Not only is Rizzo one of the best guys in baseball, he is one of the best players too. He's on his way to the best year of his career thus far, as the Cubs will cruise into the playoffs. Rizzo is hitting .294 with 26 home runs and 93 rbi's, yet he's not even the best player on his team..
3. Daniel Murphy(Washington Nationals)
Murphy signed with the Nationals this season, starting right where he left off a year ago in the postseason with the Mets. The three-year, $37.5 Million deal turned out to be a steal for Washington. Murphy had never hit more than 14 home runs in a season with New York. He's already reach career highs in home runs(25) and RBI's(98) with a month left of baseball. The second baseman also leads the majors with a .994 OPS. It's hard to say where Washington would be without him.
2. Corey Seager(LA Dodgers)
The 22 year old rookie shortstop already has the NL Rookie Of The Year on lock down, but what about MVP? Seager doesn't have the big flashy power numbers that the other candidates have, but this is a list about value, and Seager has been nothing but valuable to the Dodgers. The first place Dodgers likely wouldn't be a playoff contender if it wasn't for Seager. A year ago the Dodgers looked dead. They were no hit twice two times in 10 days. The NL West looked to be the GIants division in 2016. Seager has not only been the Dodgers best player, he is a great addition to the clubhouse. Seager is second in the NL with a 5.5 WAR. He also leads the NL with 37 doubles and 162 hits. His .320 batting average is good for third in the NL. Looking at his stats, you might not seer MVP numbers, but Seager has been as valuable to his team as anyone.
1. Kris Bryant(Chicago Cubs)
Here we have it. My pick for the 2016 National League MVP. The 2013 second overall pick in the draft, the 2014 Minor League Player Of The Year, and the 2015 NL Rookie Of The Year. Bryant has clubbed 35 home runs while leading the NL with a 6.8 WAR. It is fitting that the best player on the best team in the league will win the MVP. There is no question the Bryant has been a huge part of their offense, as he's hitting .305 with 89 runs batted in, maybe the main reason the Cubs took the next step to being as good as they are. Despite a bad start to the year, a strong finish for the young 3rd baseman will make him a clear pick for the MVP.
With still a month left in the season, anything can happen. By no means does Bryant have the MVP on lock down, but as of September first, he has to be the leading candidate. No one can predict baseball, which is one of the things that makes it so great.
