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National League MVP: Sizing up the MVP race

By Sarah Maninger

WASHINGTON, D.C. - JULY 17: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals are seen in the on-deck circle during the the 89th MLB All-Star Game at Nationals Park on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - JULY 17: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals are seen in the on-deck circle during the the 89th MLB All-Star Game at Nationals Park on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – JULY 07: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves plays first base in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on July 7, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – JULY 07: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves plays first base in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on July 7, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Freddie Freeman-1B (Atlanta Braves)

The Braves have been getting better and better the past few years but this season their window of contention has finally opened, thanks, in part, to Freddie Freeman. Freeman has been the best the Braves have, and they are only 1.5 games out of first because of it. Freeman is on pace to have one of the best seasons of his career, as he currently bats with a .316 average, surpassed only by his 2013 season.

The Braves have lots of stars, Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña, to name two, but I don’t think they would be where they are without Freddie Freeman, making him a definite contender for this season’s National League MVP.

Aaron Nola-SP (Philadelphia Phillies)

Though pitchers have an esteemed award of their own, could Aaron Nola be considered for both the MVP and the Cy Young this year? Nola, based on WAR alone, has been far and away the best on the Phillies roster. With a 6.7 war (not to mention a 2.37 ERA) Nola is making it look easy. His 12-3 record has helped to boost the Phillies past the Braves, and into first place. Should the Phillies make October, Nola is going to be a pivotal piece of Philadelphia’s postseason puzzle, and they need him to make the picture complete.

*HONORABLE MENTIONS: Bryce Harper (WSH)  and Jacob deGrom (NYM)

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