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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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ST. LOUIS, MO – JULY 29: Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs hits a two-run double against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth inning at Busch Stadium on July 29, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – JULY 29: Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs hits a two-run double against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth inning at Busch Stadium on July 29, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Javier Baez-2B (Chicago Cubs)

Javier Báez is the very definition of elite. To quote “Moneyball” (and scouts everywhere) he can run, he can throw, he can field, he can hit, and he can hit with power. The Cubs are have been overflowing with talent since 2016, but Baez may just be the most valuable, and most impactful player this season. He was drafted in 2011 by former Cubs GM Jim Hendry (who would be fired about a month and a half later). Theo Epstein, however, got one strong prospect when he and Jed Hoyer took over the front office that offseason.

Báez is undoubtedly having the best season of his career, having already knocked in 86 runs (and is on pace to eclipse every positive stat from his past 4 seasons in the majors). He is almost definitely going to be in the heart of the National League MVP conversation, and could even add “NL MVP” to his list of accomplishments, right alongside “World Series Champ.”

Matt Carpenter-INF (St. Louis Cardinals)

Matt Carpenter has been making headlines and has been hitting home runs faster than we can count. Quietly, Carpenter has tied Nolan Arenado for the NL Home Run lead and shows no signs of slowing down. Carpenter has shown a lot of promise this season, and could even become a trade candidate in October should the Cardinals look to embark on a mini-rebuild.

*Honorable Mentions: Lorenzo Cain (MIL)

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