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MLB Awards Watch: Dallas Keuchel leads jam-packed race for AL Cy Young

By Brad Rowland

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) at bat against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) at bat against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

NL MVP

  1. Bryce Harper, OF Washington Nationals – Harper’s pace has cooled considerably, but he is still head and shoulders ahead of the NL MVP competition. Washington’s star outfielder leads the NL in home runs (30), OBP (.452), slugging (.638), wRC+ (196) and fWAR (6.8) and most of those cushions are comfortable in size. His team is struggling mightily right now, but voters shouldn’t allow that to cloud their minds with regard to just how fantastic Harper has been.
  2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B Arizona Diamondbacks – Goldschmidt actually boasts a higher batting average (.334) than Harper to lead the NL, and his raw numbers (22 home runs, 19 stolen bases) are very strong as well. He is probably hurt by the market and the position he plays, but Goldschmidt has clearly emerged as a superstar by any rational measure.
  3. Joey Votto, 1B Cincinnati Reds – I’ve been drinking the Votto Kool-Aid all season long, and people are beginning to catch on. His slash line of .310/.437/.538 is jarringly impressive, and the power has returned with 21 home runs. There has been a race for the third spot all season long, but if Votto continues this pace, that pursuit will be futile for the rest of the NL.

Next: AL MVP

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