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MLB Awards Watch: Rolling with Mike Trout

By Brad Rowland

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) runs after hitting a single in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) runs after hitting a single in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper (34) hits an RBI single in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper (34) hits an RBI single in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

NL MVP

  1. Bryce Harper, OF Washington Nationals – Life is a video game for Bryce Harper. For example, Harper’s wRC+ (217) is more than 20 points higher than any player in either league, and the fact that he boasts a .339/.465/.715 slash line in late June is borderline obscene. Harper doesn’t lead MLB in home runs (24) anymore, but that is the only “knock” to his candidacy, and no one should be debating his current place in the MVP race.
  2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B Arizona Diamondbacks – The race for second place is far more interesting. Goldschmidt holds the second-best wRC+ in baseball at 193, and Arizona’s prized first baseman has a gaudy .349/.465/.639 slash line of his own. Throw in 20 home runs and 13 (!) steals from a power position, and it is easy to see why Goldschmidt has a case. Like Harper, he doesn’t lead MLB in home runs, but the offense is too good to ignore and an 8-WAR season could be in the offing.
  3. Todd Frazier, 3B Cincinnati Reds – Frazier is second only to Giancarlo Stanton (who is now injured) in home runs with 25, and he continues to defy any rational expectation. A .617 slugging percentage tells the story for the often streaky Frazier, but above-average defense at the hot corner certainly helps, and the power just won’t quit. Players like the aforementioned Stanton and the red-hot Nolan Arenado are nipping at his heels, but Frazier deserves a second (and third) look.

Next: AL MVP

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