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National League MVP Candidates on Possible Last Place Teams

By Tim Boyle

Aug 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) leads off of first base as Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) covers during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) leads off of first base as Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) covers during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY Sports
Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY Sports /

Joey Votto

The Cincinnati Reds will not win too many games in 2017. They are in a slow rebuild with some talented young players still in need of experience before contention is even possible. Despite the team’s struggles, first baseman Joey Votto should again compete for the National League MVP.

Votto already has one MVP award. He took this home in 2010 in the same year he earned his first All-Star appearance. Ever since, he has regularly been in MVP consideration. In 2015 he finished in third place. Last year, Votto ended the season as the seventh place finisher in the MVP vote. In both years he was passed up for the All-Star Game whilst playing for one of the worst teams in the league.

A mixture of power, run production, and his incredible ability to get on base helps make Votto one of the league’s best hitters. The Reds can lose 100 games and Votto will stay productive. If Votto can start the year off strong, a second MVP might belong to him.

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