World Series 2016: Six players who could be MVP

5 of 6

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Rizzo

Prior to exploding for eight hits, a home run and five RBIs over the final four games of the NLCS, Anthony Rizzo was battling through a miserable postseason slump. The first baseman was just 1-for-23 with more strikeouts than well-struck balls. Now, Rizzo looks locked in at the plate once again.

As a power hitter, Rizzo is not unfamiliar with cold streaks like the one he endured for most of the first two weeks of the playoffs. When he’s hot, however, there is no one more fearsome in the Cubs lineup. Rizzo also mashed right-handed pitching to the tune of a .970 OPS this season. The top three starters for Cleveland all happen to throw with their right hand.

Rizzo is the unquestioned leader of the Cubs, and was around dating back to the lean, rebuilding years that preceded the epic runs of the past two seasons. If not Rizzo, then Kris Bryant, another NL MVP candidate, could emerge to claim the World Series MVP. Bryant has been steadily consistent in both rounds of the postseason so far, batting .333 with a home run, six doubles, and six RBIs.

Home/Chicago Cubs