MLB awards watch: MVP races

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Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs the bases after hitting a game winning, walk-off three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

National League No. 1

Bryce Harper

RF, Washington Nationals

A Beltway Series in October could be an exciting World Series matchup, or maybe just for the folks that are getting great baseball in the Mid-Atlantic. Baltimore is taking care of business in the American League East, while Washington is doing the same in the National League East.

The Washington Nationals are 14-6 through 20 games with a three-game lead over the Miami Marlins in the division. Connecting the dots, you guess it. Max Scherzer is throwing smoke on the mound and Bryce Harper is crushing it at the dish.

Early in the season, Harper seems to be channelling the type of offensive game that helped him win his first MVP back in 2015. He is hitting .400/.523/.800 with seven home runs and 21 runs batted in. Harper is on base more than half the time. He is hitting .400! The guy is an animal.

Next: Best MLB player from each state

It would be nice to see Harper to win his second NL MVP in three years, but it would be better to see Washington win an NLDS. This team is too good to have its season end any earlier than in the NLCS. Washington doesn’t have to win a World Series, but it’s an utter embarrassment if the Nationals can’t get out of the first-round again, assuming they win the NL East.

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