MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 NL MVP candidates thru June

5. 3B Matt Carpenter – STL

.296/.419/.581, 54 R, 14 HR, 49 RBI, 0 SB, 166 wRC+, 3.4 WAR

Matt Carpenter‘s wins above replacement number ranks third in the NL and he’s been a steady presence in the club’s lineup and on defense since 2013 when he placed fourth in NL MVP voting.

The second place Cardinals have a lot of work to do in the second half if they are to catch the Cubs in the NL Central standings. Carpenter will need to maintain his play in the upcoming half if the Cards are to make the postseason for their sixth consecutive season.

His power numbers have never been off the chart, but the 30-year-old has been a run scoring machine who gets on-base with the best of them. Carpenter hit only 11 home runs back when he finished fourth on the NL ballot, but he led the NL in runs scored (126), hits (199) and doubles (55).

Since 2013, Carpenter’s power has matured, going deep 28 times in 2015 and driving in a personal high of 84. This season, he has 14 home runs and 49 RBI, but he’s slashing an unreal .296/.419/.581, deriving from it an OPS of .999, which ranks first in the NL. His ability to draw a walk also gives him added value, having led the league with 95 in 2014. He ranks third right now with 55.

Next: Number 4