Ranking the Top Five NL MVP Candidates in 2016
By Nick Fustor
5. 3B Kris Bryant – Chicago Cubs
2016 Projected Stats: .287/.372/.521, 35 HR, 102 RBI, 89 R, 6.9 WAR
Once touted as the savior to the downtrodden Chicago Cubs, Kris Bryant’s arrival in the Windy City signaled a change throughout the franchise. The third baseman was a key component to a boisterous Cubs offense in 2015, and both figure to be even better this season.
At just 24, Bryant has yet to enter his prime – and with a full season of major league experience under his belt, he’s primed to boost his production in nearly every category. With a .275/.369/.488 slash line to go along with 26 home runs and 99 RBI, Bryant quickly became one of the game’s premier run producers. A 6-foot-5 inch frame at a sleek 215 pounds gives him the ideal frame for power hitting without sacrificing mobility on the base paths.
Last season, Bryant managed to steal 13 bases and score 87 runs – making him a multi-faceted player in the heart of the Cubs lineup. His one downside was a high strikeout rate of 30.6 percent, but that number could drop as he gains maturity in a big-league setting. However, his minor league track record show strikeout rates above 25 percent as a trend, so he’ll need to find a way to be more patient at the plate.
Now fully scouted by opposing teams, it’s likely Bryant’s walks will increase if he’s hitting in the four or five spot in the lineup – which could help diminish the strikeout issue. Bryant isn’t just an elite hitter, though.
Defense is also a vital part of Bryant’s contributions, as he posted a 5.4 UZR/150 at third base last season and 21.2 UZR/150 during his limited time in the outfield. Going forward, it’s possible that Bryant garners Gold Glove consideration.
While strikeouts will likely remain an issue, Bryant is primed to have a very successful season with the contending Cubs in 2016.
Next: LHP Clayton Kershaw - Los Angeles Dodgers