Kris Bryant vs Ronald Acuña Jr.: Who is NL MVP so far?

Kris Bryant and Ronald Acuña Jr. are the earliest of leaders for 2021 NL MVP.

Though neither of their teams are playing winning baseball in the early part of the 2021 MLB season, the two early front-runners for NL MVP are Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.

While the Braves have already won the season series over the Cubs 5-2, it is neck-and-neck between these two superstar players for MVP. Acuña had been the hottest player in baseball prior to injuring his abdomen vs. the Cubs a few weeks ago. Without Bryant, the Cubs could have the worst record in the National League. He has played phenomenally in a contract year for him.

It is a shame that neither of their clubs look to be the least bit good in the first weeks of 2021.

Who should be NL MVP?: Kris Bryant or Ronald Acuña Jr.?

On the year, Bryant is slashing .323/.405/.708 with nine home runs and 22 runs batted in. His WAR is 1.3. Bryant has 31 hits and has scored 21 runs for the Cubs in 26 games. Acuña is slashing .333/.431/.708 with nine home runs and 20 runs batted in. His WAR is 1.7. Acuña has 32 hits, 26 runs scored and three stolen bases in 26 games for the Braves. We are really splitting hairs here.

Though it makes next to no sense to give an MVP award to a player on a team that is four games under .500, Acuña has been slightly better for the Braves than Bryant for the Cubs. You can factor in foot speed on the base paths, as well as the Braves having the superior record head-to-head over Chicago. But if you want to pick Bryant over Acuña, you would certainly have an argument.

For either of these players to win NL MVP, their teams have to play better baseball this season.