MLB
We’ve discussed who seems to be in the lead MVP contenders in the National and American leagues. Who is nipping at their heels though? There are many worthy candidates in both leagues having excellent seasons. Two such players are Nolan Arenado and Mookie Betts. Let’s break down these guys’ incredible seasons, and if they still have a shot at MVP.
AL MVP Contenders: Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts is incredible to watch. He has helped propel the Red Sox, along with his teammate and MVP frontrunner J.D. Martinez, to a historic season. His stats are eye-popping: .334/.429/.614, with 29 HR, 72 RBI, and 28 stolen bases to name a few. He leads the league in hitting, even after a 2 for 18 slump that he is still in as of this writing.
Betts is tied with Mike Trout with 9.2 WAR according to FanGraphs, and his excellent defense has some metrics estimating he’s saved 20 defensive runs, a staggering amount. Anyone in the clubhouse can tell you about Betts’ leadership and intangibles. Many oddsmakers even have Betts as the favorite to win the MVP so that this vote may come down to the wire.
Can He Still Win?
Absolutely. As mentioned above, some consider him the favorite to do so. The tough question for Boston is: should they rest him? The AL East is won, and the best record in the league is all but a lock. Betts has been dealing with a sore side. He is, however, a self-described “feel hitter,” so resting him may affect his timing. While the team would surely prioritize chasing a ring over his MVP candidacy, resting him at the end could damage his case. That is something to keep an eye on down the stretch.
NL MVP Contenders: Nolan Arenado
Of the many MVP contenders in both leagues, Arenado was perhaps the one with seemingly the biggest lead in either race. That happened back in the heat of the summer, however – the race now is more wide open, and Arenado has fallen to “runner-up” status. His slash line of .294/.373/.550 is still excellent, padded by his 34 HR and 101 RBI. But from a man who has watched the Rockies every game the last couple of weeks, his nagging shoulder injury is affecting his swing.
Curiously enough, Arenado – like Betts – is slumping. He is batting 4 for his last 25, a mere .160 average. His average has dipped well below the league-leading position he was recently in. His slump is likely due at least in part to the aforementioned injury that caused him to miss some time earlier this month, but his MVP case is taking a hit also.
Like Betts, Arenado’s defensive prowess is recognized across the league – he is unarguably the best third baseman in the NL, and possibly the league – his metrics are historically great. That could help his MVP case, but his recent slump – coinciding with his team’s rapid fall from playoff contention – will likely keep him from winning this coveted award.
Can He Still Win?
A week ago, I would have said yes. But after starting a pivotal nine-game road trip 1-5, and being swept out of first place by the Dodgers earlier this week, the Rockies’ playoff odds took a huge hit. Since Nolan had an abysmal trip – he hit just 4 for 25 with three singles, one double, 1 RBI, and no runs – his MVP chances are all but gone.
Photo credit to Keith Allison via Flickr
