MLB: Early candidates for Major League Baseball’s top awards

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 22: Shohei Ohtani
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 22: Shohei Ohtani
7 of 7
MLB
DENVER, CO – APRIL 21: Nolan Arenado

MLB National League Most Valuable Player – Nolan Arenado

Off the bat, I can tell you one thing; this choice was a lot easier than the American League MVP award.

More from Call to the Pen

Simply put, Colorado Rockies slugger Nolan Arenado certified his status as one of the game’s best hitters years ago. He’s finished in the top-10 of MVP voting for the past three years, and 2018 might be his year.

After finishing 2017 with a .309 average, he’s continued into 2018 with a scorching .344 mark. While he’s only hit three home run’s so far, he’ll pick it up. He’s finished the last four seasons with 30+ round tripper’s.

His OPS has steadily increased over the past three seasons, too, so it’s not crazy to think he could finish with one over 1.000.

  • 2015 – .898 OPS
  • 2016 – .932 OPS
  • 2017 – .959 OPS

Ryan Flaherty and Christian Villanueva aren’t likely to continue their torrid starts, making it easier for Arenado to stake his claim for the award.

Next: Matt Harvey moved to Mets Bullpen

If he starts to walk a bit more, he’ll be a near lock to finish in the top three of voting. Right now, the only thing stopping him from winning is his own production.