MLB 2017: One prediction for each team

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Sep 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) singles in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Rockies: Nolan Arenado wins the MVP

Nolan Arenado has led the National League in home runs, RBIs and total bases in each of the past two seasons. He’s also won the last three NL Gold Gloves at third base and established himself as the best defensive third baseman in the league. That hasn’t quite translated to the MVP vote because the Rockies haven’t been relevant. Arenado’s best MVP finish is fifth.

The Rockies are trending in the right direction, and could have their first winning season since 2010 next year. If they can eke out 83 wins, Arenado could vault over MVP candidates from Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. There’s some inherent bias against hitters from Coors Field, but Larry Walker was able to win the 1997 MVP, and Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez have all managed high finishes in the vote.

In Colorado, Arenado is surrounded by a video-game lineup. Gonzalez, batting champion DJ LeMahieu, Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story are all the types of talent that transcends the thin air of the Mile High City. Throw Ian Desmond into the mix and possibly Mark Trumbo or Edwin Encarnacion, and Arenado has protection for days.

Building a pitching staff has always been the biggest problem for the Rockies, but they’re making progress in that department as well. Jon Gray appears to have the power arsenal needed to lead a staff in Denver. In 2017, the Rockies will get one step closer to contending, and that will push Arenado to the top of the MVP vote.

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