With the regular season slowly winding down, fans have begun the debate for National League MVP. The current race is between Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna Jr., who have each excelled in different aspects of the game. However, if neither of them wins, others have had remarkable seasons that are worthy of note. Here are some other leading candidates for the award.
The Rest of the National League MVP Race
Luis Arraez
Luis Arraez of the Miami Marlins would be the first candidate on the list. One of the biggest reasons has been his high batting average. Currently, Arraez has a batting average of 367, which is .028 ahead of anyone in the National League. At one point in the season, Arraez’s average was still around .400 in the middle of June and he was on pace to match Ted Williams’ .406 season in 1941. No player has been able to eclipse .380 in a full 162-game season since George Brett in 1980 ( Tony Gwynn hit .394 in the 1994 season that was cut short).
Arraez is sixth in the National League in WAR and 6th in offensive WAR this season. However, the downside of Arraez’s abilities is his defense. On Baseball Reference, he is listed at 0.3 WAR defensively. So if Arraez can not reach the .380 plateau, it’s unlikely he will win MVP. Still, this is a career season for Arraez and he has helped lead Miami into a spot where they are contending for the playoffs.
Matt Olson
Since being traded to the Atlanta Braves, Olson has been a great addition to the team. After an incredible season in 2022, he has followed it up with another great season. Currently, Olson is the league leader in home runs (43), RBI (107), and slugging percentage (.621). The Braves are the best team in the National League, and he is a major reason why. As one of their best players, that is significant in MVP voting. Defensively, he has been sound starting at first base all 117 games. Olson has been on a heater as of late and has the chance to eclipse 60 home runs. He has a strong case of being MVP if he can maintain this level of play into the rest of the season.
If Matt Olson played the whole season like he’s played so far in august these would be his season numbers pic.twitter.com/O2xWnNgzAK
— Jay Cuda (@JayCuda) August 14, 2023
Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts is always in the conversation for MVP. Since 2016, Betts has appeared in the top 10 in voting every season except for 2021. Betts is a good example of a five-tool player, and is significantly valuable to any team he plays on. He is on track to earn his seventh Gold Glove Award in the outfield and sixth Silver Slugger Award. Betts is third in the National League in WAR. Last season, Mookie finished the year with 35 home runs and 82 RBI (finishing fifth in MVP voting). With over a month left in 2023, Mookie has 31 home runs and 80 RBI. Betts has only won one MVP award, and while he is in his prime, he is a contender to get a second, which would be his first with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Ha-Seong Kim
The 2023 San Diego Padres have been underwhelming. However, Ha-Seong Kim has been their best player. In 113 games with the Padres, Kim is slashing .286/.381/.449 with 27 stolen bases. Currently, Kim is the National League leader in wins above replacement and defensive WAR. Defensively he has been a great infielder at second, third, or shortstop. Kim is a dark horse pick, especially considering he wasn’t an All-Star during the first half of the season.
Photo Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna Jr., Luis Arraez, Ted Williams, George Brett, Tony Gwynn, Matt Olson, Mookie Betts, Ha-Seong Kim
