MLB Awards Watch: Bryce Harper is the NL MVP… right?

NL MVP

1. Bryce Harper, OF Washington Nationals – Yes, Harper remains the front-runner. Much has been made of Washington’s swoon and with good reason, but that should not influence voters to detract from Harper’s overall performance. He is still the NL leader in wRC+ (193), fWAR (7.5), on-base percentage (.458) and slugging percentage (.626), and even with a slowing pace since mid-season, this must be a full-season award that encompasses all contributions.
2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B Arizona Diamondbacks – Goldschmidt is receiving more and more buzz as people look for reasons to fade Harper, but unfortunately, his team isn’t very good, either. Still, Arizona’s cornerstone is second to Harper in most major hitting categories among NL players, and he actually produces real value on the base paths with 20 stolen bases this season (from a first baseman!). It would perhaps be a more interesting argument if Goldschmidt played for a winning club, but without that theoretical bump, he remains number two.
3. Joey Votto, 1B Cincinnati Reds – Bryce Harper leads MLB in wRC+, but would you guess that Joey Votto comes in at number two, ahead of anyone from the American League? Votto has been ridiculous this season, posting a .312/.456/.553 slash line with 25 home runs, and he is nipping at the heels of Goldschmidt for number two. Votto also falls victim to a lack of team success, but it is nice to see one of the best hitters in baseball healthy and productive for a full season.

Next: AL MVP