MLB awards watch: MVP races

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
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 /
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Apr 17, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs to first on a double against the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs to first on a double against the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

National League No. 4

4

Freddie Freeman

1B, Atlanta Braves

While the Atlanta Braves continue to un-amaze in the National League East, franchise cornerstone in first baseman Freddie Freeman is having an outstanding April. He’s really enjoyed the ballpark in Cobb County, as SunTrust Park seems to be more hitter-friendly than Turner Field ever was.

It may be another 90-loss season in Atlanta, as the Braves are a miserable 6-12 though their first 18 games. However, Freeman is putting together one of his best seasons in a few years. The two-time National League All-Star is hitting .381/.494/.810 with seven home runs and nine runs batted in. For a team that’s won six games, he already has a WAR of 1.2.

He did finish sixth in National League MVP voting, despite playing for a 90-loss team on the 2016 Braves. That was his second top-five finish in the NL MVP voting, finishing fifth back in 2013. Atlanta will obviously need to win more, but Freeman will bat third and play first base every day for the 2017 Braves.

He set a career-best in home runs last season with 34. Freeman is on pace to shatter that in 2017. Should he hit roughly 35 homers, knock in around 100 runs and hit above .300, expect Freeman to be in the conversation for 2017 National League MVP.  He’s team is bad, but Freeman’s great.