Much like the weather, the 2023 National League MVP competition is sweltering. While there is a current favorite, this race is no run-away. One player has a legitimate chance at a 40/40 season, two teammates on the West Coast are neck-and-neck for the honor, and a rookie in the desert could be the first since Ichiro to win the award. In addition, all four players have helped put their teams in contention for October. As the season draws on, look for this race only to intensify. It will be exciting to see the second-half fireworks these players produce, regardless of the outcome.
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(Note: All statistics are as of July 9)
2023 NL MVP Race
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuña Jr. is the current favorite for NL MVP. His 79 runs, 41 stolen bases, .990 OPS, and 5.0 WAR all lead the NL. His .331 batting average is second, as is his .582 SLUG %. Adding to these statistics, Acuna has amassed 21 home runs in the first half, which ranks fifth. This combination of speed, power, and contact has helped lead Atlanta to the best record in baseball. He could join the exclusive 40/40 club if he can maintain his power output. Even without a 40/40 season, he has the best chance of winning the MVP.
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Mookie Betts is putting together another MVP-caliber season. He leads the NL with a .586 SLUG % and ranks second with 26 home runs, a .964 OPS, and a 4.3 WAR. Betts has 62 RBI on the season, which ranks third. Betts continues to prove why he is one of the best players in baseball. The Dodgers are positioned for yet another postseason run, and his contributions are a big reason why. Betts could join Frank Robinson as the only other player to win an MVP in both leagues.
Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
Staying in Los Angeles, Freddie Freeman has shown no signs of slowing down. The 33-year-old leads the NL in doubles with 31 and has more stolen bases (12) than his teammate and fellow MVP candidate Betts (7). His 72 runs tie him for second-best in the league, and his .320 average ranks third. Freeman has come through with runners on as well, tallying 61 RBI, and his 17 home runs exhibit his solid power. Freeman has one MVP under his belt coming in the shortened 2020 season. He may add another piece of hardware to his collection at the end of the year.
Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
A rookie has won the MVP only twice in baseball history. Corbin Carroll could potentially be the third. Carroll is second in the NL with 26 stolen bases and ranks fifth in WAR and OPS with a 3.7 and .915, respectively. His .289 batting average is sixth best, and his 18 home runs rank seventh. Carroll has shown a great power-speed combination vaulting the Diamondbacks into a tie with the Dodgers for the NL West lead. Although he is leading the NL Rookie of the Year race, Carroll has an arduous challenge ahead of him, beating out the other three sluggers for MVP.
Honorable Mentions: Luis Arraez, Nick Castellanos, Zac Gallen, Spencer Strider
Photo Credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, Frank Robinson, Freddie Freeman, Corbin Carroll, Luis Arraez, Nick Castellanos, Zac Gallen, Spencer Strider
