MLB Power Rankings: Who is the MVP at the end of May?

MLB Power Rankings 2018: Mookie Betts or Mike Trout for MVP?

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 12: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is safe at third on a RBI double by Justin Upton #8 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as he beats the tag by Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 28: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves in action during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

3. Freddie Freeman, First Baseman for the Atlanta Braves

51 GP, .325/.424/.541, 9 HR, 38 RBI, .409 wOBA, 2.3 WAR

If you said Freddie Freeman was the most under-appreciated superstar in baseball, it’s hard to craft an argument against that. The Braves are fighting for a division title earlier than anyone thought they could. The young guns of Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna have gotten a lot of the publicity, and they deserve a lot of praise for what they’re accomplishing at their ages. Still, the Braves would be far worse without Freeman sitting in the third spot in the lineup on a nightly basis.

Not only does Freeman play a solid first base, but he’s a wonderful offensive player who’s on pace to set career high’s in a ton of categories. Like Judge, his home runs are down compared to last year. With baseball being the way it is today, it’s almost more impressive that Freeman has this high of an average and on-base percentage while still being a power hitter. Freeman is even chipping in some stolen bases as he has five already.

There’s very few players like him in all of baseball. Freeman is also serving as a de facto clubhouse leader to this group of young players still learning how to play in the majors. That’s something that is obviously difficult to quantify but if the Braves keep near the top of the division, Freeman could very well win the MVP. Atlanta possibly contending for a playoff spot far earlier than most people thought while help Freeman immensely as the season rolls on.

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