MLB: National League most valuable player candidates so far

May 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners 10-1 at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners 10-1 at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) reacts after a single against the Baltimore Orioles in the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) reacts after a single against the Baltimore Orioles in the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

After two months of the season, the National League has been home to some of the game’s brightest stars. A few of them have risen to the front of the MVP discussion.

We have reached the point in the season where it is officially acceptable to start discussing potential MVP candidates.

Sure, there are always the way too early predictions, the preseason assumptions, and the completely wrong guesses. But, here we are, already in mid-June.

Some hot start’s have cooled down, while others have broke out in a big way.

Sustainability is key when it comes to the MVP discussion. If a player’s team makes the playoffs, their chances of capturing the award are significantly increased.

However, if they manage to produce all season without a postseason appearance, the award is typically not in their favor.

With this, let’s take a look at some of the candidates for this year’s NL MVP award, with some sleepers included.