MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 NL MVP candidates through May

4. RF Justin Upton – .302 BA, 12 HR, 37 RBI, 2.0 WAR

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Upton was on this list a month ago. Thanks to a strong May (.343-6-23) and the San Diego Padres playing far better baseball than they were at the same time last year, Upton still deserves consideration. He is the only player in the NL right now to have double digit home runs and stolen bases. While a 40-40 season is a stretch (Upton’s career high for HRs in a season is 31 and SBs is 21), he’s flashing real 30-30 potential.

What’s more, Upton is only 27 and is hitting over .300 despite moving to a pitcher’s park in Petco for his home games. He is actually finding far more success playing in San Diego than he is on the road. His home splits have produced a .356 batting average with nine home runs and 23 RBI in in 28 games. On the road, Upton is hitting only .242 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 24 games. Upton has historically been much better at home than on the road, but there’s still room for improvement here.

Upton also has a tendency to cool down in the second half of campaigns, so that may be something to watch closely. If the Padres hope to be in contention come September, they will need Upton to power up in July and August, with a healthy Wil Myers hitting back in front of him in the lineup surely helping his cause.

Next: Number 3