MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 NL MVP candidates thru May

Through the first two months of the season, MLB awards watch time is beginning to pick up some steam. With 2/3 of the season to go, here are your top contenders in the running right now for the National League’s Most Valuable Player.

In May’s instalment tracking the NL MVP race, there are some different faces to consider, compared to where things sat at the end of April. For example, Bryce Harper scorched opposing pitching in April, but at the moment, the Nationals are winning more games right now on the strength of guys like Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer. Harper has been mired in a 16-for-80 slump in May, hitting only .200 with four HRs and 10 RBI.

There have been a lot of Cubs players continuing to elevate their play, as well. The lineup is stacked and probably has better performing candidates than Anthony Rizzo to look at right now.

It’s not too soon to write-off a pitcher being thrown into the mix, either. While the BBWAA usually shows bias in favor of hitters who play every day when it comes to MVP awards, there’s certainly some credence behind voting for at least one arm.

Next: Honorable Mentions