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Power ranking the NL MVP candidates following Giancarlo Stanton’s injury

By Connor Muldowney

Jun 15, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Washington Nationals designator hitter Bryce Harper (34) walks back to the dugout after he stuck out during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. The Rays won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Washington Nationals designator hitter Bryce Harper (34) walks back to the dugout after he stuck out during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. The Rays won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 15, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Washington Nationals designator hitter Bryce Harper (34) walks back to the dugout after he stuck out during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. The Rays won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Washington Nationals designator hitter Bryce Harper (34) walks back to the dugout after he stuck out during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. The Rays won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Following a wrist injury to Marlins’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton, the NL MVP race has been altered a bit.

Heading into the month of July means that the MLB halfway mark is fast-approaching and the MVP race will start heating up relatively soon. Each year, there is usually a clear-cut frontrunner who stands out by the month of August; however the 2015 season could be a little different, as there are a handful of National League stars who could be in this thing until the very end.

Next: Derek Jeter and MLB's 20 Richest Players

Miami Marlins‘ slugger Giancarlo Stanton had been enjoying a stellar season through almost three months of play before breaking the hamate bone in his wrist, sending him to the disabled list for 4-6 weeks.

Stanton had been a prime MVP candidate, despite his team’s struggles, as he was hitting .265 with 27 homers and 67 RBI. It’s pretty rare to see a player have one third of his hits be home runs, but that’s what kind of year Giancarlo had been having.

Now that he is basically out of the race, there are a few guys who could step up in his absence and really make a name for themselves before MVP voters lock in their picks come September and October.

Rarely is the MVP a pitcher, but much like Clayton Kershaw last season there are a couple of guys on this list that could make a strong case.

Let’s take a look at the top NL MVP candidates, in order, after Stanton’s injury.

Next: Honorable Mention: Nolan Arenado, Rockies

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