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MLB: Top 5 NL MVP Candidates For September

By Ryan Schultz

Aug 23, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (R) congratulates third baseman Kris Bryant (17) after Bryant hit a solo home run during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (R) congratulates third baseman Kris Bryant (17) after Bryant hit a solo home run during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

With the MLB season winding down, the top five candidates for NL MVP have separated themselves from the field. Who has the best shot to win the award?

As we near the end of the season, the favorites to win postseason awards have separated themselves from the rest. Such is the case in the race for the National League MVP. The race is by no means over, nor will it be an unanimous decision; however, there seems to be a clear consensus on the top five players bound to get votes.

Last year’s MVP, Bryce Harper, has removed himself from the discussion completely with his down year. Not only did Harper descend from his incredible 2015 season, he fell to being a barely above average hitter with his 122 wRC+. With his departure from the top, he’s left a huge opening in the MVP race.

Not only has Harper fallen from his tremendous season, but the other top vote-getters outside of Anthony Rizzo have as well. The other top vote getters in the 2015 NL MVP vote were Paul Goldschmidt, Joey Votto, and Andrew McCutchen. None of those three have put up numbers similar to what they did in 2015, which essentially dropped them from any MVP talks during this season.

What we’re left with is a group of very young, very talented players at the top of the National League. Outside of Daniel Murphy, every player on this list is in his 20’s. Three of the five are 25-years-old or younger. Not only has 2016 been a great season for talent in the National League, but the age of these top players seems to suggest that we will see multiple similar seasons in the future.

The top five have pretty clearly separated themselves from the competition, but there are still some players that could fight their way onto ballots.

Brandon Crawford is a great example. His incredible value in the field at a premier position combined with his ability at the plate is bound to draw some interest from voters. He’s definitely been a huge part of what has made the Giants successful this season, but he doesn’t quite make the list of top 5. His teammate, Buster Posey, also has a good case to be included on the list because of how well he’s handled the pitching staff; however, his batting statistics don’t quite compete with the guys on this list.

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