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MLB: National League most valuable player candidates so far

By Phil Akre

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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National League
Jun 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (19) watches his home run during the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlie Blackmon

In what has been a surprise year for the Colorado Rockies, Charlie Blackmon is no different. He’s been the leader on this team offensively, even if the headlines don’t talk about him much.

He’s currently the NL hits leader with 89, third in average (.337), and third in RBI (53).

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as Blackmon has been improving as he’s grown older. Now a 30-year-old, Blackmon saw himself put together his best offensive season of his career a season ago, where he finished 26th in MVP voting.

In 2017, he has the chance to finish much higher in voting, with a chance to take home the award.

Going in his favor is the success of his team, too. The Rockies sit atop the NL West with a sparkling record of 41-24. At this point, it’s fair to call them legit contenders.

Sure, the Los Angeles Dodgers are right behind them, but the Rockies seem primed for at the least, a wild card spot.

If the Rockies do indeed win the NL West, and Blackmon’s numbers stay up, he’s a legitimate threat to take home the award.

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