The race for National League Most Valuable Player is going to be a close one. Will Bryant repeat his dominance? Will Seager magically suffer a sophomore slump? Is Arenado finally going to win the MVP he deserves? Will Cespedes put the Mets over the top this year? Can Freeman lead the young-guns in Atlanta to shock the world? Here are your 2017 NL MVP candidates.
NL MVP Candidates
5 Yoenis Cespedes, NYM
Yoenis Cespedes has performed like an MVP the past two seasons in New York. This will be the year that he breaks out to his complete and full potential. With a sense of security, Cespedes will have a huge year. Last season, he won his first career Silver Slugger award after hitting .280 with 25 doubles, 31 home runs, and a .530 slugging percentage. He carried the Mets depleted offense all season. He is not only a star offensively, but also defensively he has one of the best arms in the game.
4 Corey Seager, LAD
At only 22 years old, Seager is the best shortstop in the league. In his first full season as a Major Leaguer, he was named NL Rookie of the Year, finished third in NL MVP voting, was named to the NL All-Star team, and won his first Silver Slugger award. He finished second in hits (193), 6th in singles (122), 7th in doubles (40), 4th in total bases (321), and 7th in batting average (.308). Offensively, Seager has no real flaws.
3 Freddie Freeman, ATL
Freeman has been one of the best offensive first basemen since he came into the league. He is a career .288 hitter with 138 home runs and 515 RBI’s. In his career, he has finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, fifth and sixth in MVP voting, and is a two time NL All-Star. Freeman will be a key part of the resurrection of a young and upcoming Atlanta Braves ball club next season.
2 Kris Bryant, CHI
Bryant is an absolute freak. The Cubs super prospect has lived up to all the hype and some. In two seasons, Bryant has hit 65 HR’s and driven in 201 runs. His rookie season he won Rookie of the Year and last season he was named the NL Most Valuable Player. Bryant is not only an excellent hitter, he also has shown some tremendous base running ability. Defensively, Bryant has one of the best arms at the hot corner but still has some room to develop. He will play a huge role in helping the Cubs repeat next season.
1 Nolan Arenado, COL
Arenado is one of the best all around third basemen in the league. The past two season he has led the National League in home runs and runs batted in, with 42 and 130 in 2015 and 41 and 133 last season. Arenado is a four time Gold Glove award winner, winning it every year he’s been in the majors, and a back to back Silver Slugger the past two seasons. Defensively he has been the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year the past two seasons. Arenado will play a big role in turning around an up-and-coming Rockies ball club next season. Next season could be the year Arenado finally wins an MVP award.
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