The NL MVP race has been exciting all year with the reigning winner, Miguel Cabrera, missing a large chuck of the season do to injury. Instead, Nationals rightfielder Bryce Harper, Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta, and Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt have played well enough to put their names into consideration. So who will get the nod? Here's our vote:
3) Jake Arrieta, P, Chicago Cubs
Stats: 21-6, 1.82 ERA, 229 Ks, 0.88 WHIP
The Cubs have been the best story in all of baseball this year as they clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2008, and Arrieta is one of the biggest reasons why. The Cy Young frontrunner has given up just FOUR earned runs since the start of August, leads the majors in wins and is second in ERA and WHIP. His dominance hasn't gone unnoticed, and he'll get a decent amount of MVP votes because of his play and the success of the Cubs.
2) Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
Stats: .315 BA, 31 HR, 106 RBIs, .557 SLG, 8.3 WAR
Goldschmidt has established himself as one of the best pure hitters in baseball, racking up a .315/.432/.557 line 21 homers and 37 doubles. Throw in 21 stolen bases and a surprisingly successful season from the Diamondbacks, and Goldschmidt gets the boost he needs over a crowded pack of contenders all barely in earshot of Bryce Harper.
1) Bryce Harper, RF, Washington Nationals
Stats: .331 BA, 41 HR, 96 RBIs, .649 SLG, 9.9 WAR
Harper has been the favorite to win this award since the start of the season, and quite frankly, this race isn't even close.
He has put up a batting line of .331/.463/.649 and leads the majors in SLG, OBP, and OPS while leading the NL in homers, runs scored, and total bases. Even though the Nationals were a total disaster for the second half of the season as they will miss out on the playoffs, it's hard to ignore just how dominant Harper has been this season.
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