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MLB Awards Watch: The final ballot

By Brad Rowland

American League outfielder Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates with third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) of the Toronto Blue Jays after hitting a lead off home run against the National League during the first inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
American League outfielder Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates with third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) of the Toronto Blue Jays after hitting a lead off home run against the National League during the first inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) has Gatorade dumped on him by Washington Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon (6) after knocking in the winning run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) has Gatorade dumped on him by Washington Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon (6) after knocking in the winning run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

NL MVP

  1. Bryce Harper, OF Washington Nationals – If there was an MVP of the entire league, it would go to Harper and it’s not even debatable. The brash outfielder led MLB in wRC+ (198), on-base percentage (.460), slugging percentage (.649), fWAR (9.6) and bWAR (9.9) while blasting 42 home runs and scoring 118 runs. There is a growing narrative that the lack of team success for Washington should negatively affect Harper’s candidacy, but even if you took a few points off for that (I wouldn’t), he would still breeze to the NL MVP award.
  2. Joey Votto, 1B Cincinnati Reds – I’m higher on most when it comes to Votto, but a quick look at the numbers certainly indicates that this position is justified. Votto trailed only Harper among MLB players in both OBP (.459) and wRC+ (172) and he still brought power to the table with 29 home runs and a .541 slugging percentage. While Paul Goldschmidt edged him out in WAR, much of that was due to the mythical world of first base defense, and when it comes to that position specifically, I’ll take the better overall hitter. For me, that was Votto.
  3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B Arizona Diamondbacks – As mentioned above, Goldschmidt and Votto were virtually neck-and-neck, and I have no issue if he finishes second. Goldschmidt posted better power numbers, with 33 home runs and a .570 slugging percentage, and if you’re a sucker for counting stats, he reached triple-digits in both runs and RBI while compiling 21 stolen bases. Paul Goldschmidt is a monster, and he should be recognized as such.

Next: AL MVP

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