2. IF Ryan Zimmerman – Washington Nationals
Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Make no mistake — the Nationals are littered with potential NL MVPs, but I like the underdog here.
District on Deck
Ryan Zimmerman became the face of the young Washington Nationals franchise after the end of an era in Montreal. Finishing second in NL ROY voting his rookie season in 2006, Zimmerman has been a solid and consistent hitter throughout his career and is still relatively young for the length of his tenure (age 30 after nine full seasons). He will be moving across the diamond to man first base this season after the departure of Adam LaRoche, which could be beneficial to his health after only appearing in 61 games last season.
If Zimmerman can prove that he is a dangerous complement to Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper — both with the stick and the glove — consideration will have to be made for the MVP vote. The Nationals will have a stout offensive lineup and a chance to make a deep postseason run that will bolster Zimmerman’s ability to produce. The supporting cast is present, but the 30-year old first baseman will have to keep a good health record, provide at least a .290 average, 20-plus homers, 80-plus RBI and posibly Gold Glove worthy defense.
Such a laundry list may seem daunting to those who doubt his ability, but Zimmerman is a veteran to the game and should be poised to be the best competition for MVP in Washington of all their position players.
Next: David Wright