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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
May 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Marcell Ozuna (13) connects for an RBI single during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

 Marcell Ozuna

Before you say, “What?” to my selection of Marcell Ozuna, let me explain.

If the 26-year-old outfielder were on a better team in a bigger market, he’d be much more well-known and squarely in the conversation for the MVP award.

Despite the odds against him, Ozuna is in the MVP discussion.

Batting Average – 7th (.324)

RBI – 10th (tied 43)

SLG – 13th (.560)

HR – 10th (tied 15)

WAR – 9th (2.5)

Sure, he’s on a bad team that sits way out of the playoff race. There’s even the chance he might be traded.

Whatever the case is, he’s been one of the best players in the National League this season, and it’s hard to argue against that. He is a deep sleeper pick and will probably finish outside of the top-five in voting.

On a better team, he’s in the discussion on the national stage.

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