MLB Awards Watch: Here comes Mike Trout (again)

July 26, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) congratulates center fielder Mike Trout (27) after hitting a grand slam home run in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) singles against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

NL MVP

Bryce Harper, OF Washington Nationals – Harper continues to lead the majors in wRC+ (207) by a considerable margin, and he’s generally been out of his mind in 2015. Perhaps the most impressive (and overlooked) aspect of his game has been plate discipline, where Harper maintains a sparkling 18.7% walk rate, and when you combine that with a .330 batting average, his on-base ability (.460 OBP) is staggering. He’s the total package and the clear leader.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B Arizona Diamondbacks – Amusingly, Goldschmidt actually leads Harper in both batting average (.346) and OBP (.465), but the drop in power (more than 60 points lower in slugging) is enough to maintain a small gap. In addition, Goldschmidt is certain to be punished by some voters because of a lack of team success, and as such, he is likely to remain criminally underrated.
Joey Votto, 1B Cincinnati Reds – There is a canyon between the top two and everyone else, but I’m going with Votto this week. He has put together a vintage Joey Votto season, with a slash line of .305/.423/.523 and 18 home runs in 96 games. He’ll never be an uber-elite power producer, but Votto’s overall approach at the plate is beautiful to watch, and it is nice to see him mashing a bit again.

Next: AL MVP

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