Milwaukee Brewers: Who Deserves Team MVP, Cain or Yelich?

Christian Yelich Best Stats, Not Milwaukee Brewers Team MVP

As of this writing, the 2018 season is not quite over. Yelich, however, currently has over 30 home runs and 100 runs scored. His OPS is well over .900 and he even has 19 SB.

Depending on who he plays with, Yelich can cover any of the three outfield positions. He has 79 games defended in right field, 68 in left field, and 17 in center field as of mid-September.

Yelich won a NL Gold Glove with the Miami Marlins in 2014 and still plays elite defense with a strong, accurate arm.

When he played in Miami, he hit in a more pitcher’s friendly ballpark. Common sense figured Yelich’s power numbers would rise in Milwaukee at Miller Park, and they have.

"For the first time in his career, Yelich is posting a SLG over .500 and his ISO is almost .60 higher than his previous high."

This uptick in power has come at a small expense, however. Christian Yelich’s strikeout rate is up and walk rate is down this season with the Brewers compared to last year with the Marlins.

The biggest reason for Yelich’s legitimate consideration for NL MVP consideration is his play down the stretch as the Brewers make a run for the playoffs.

Yelich has been a good player all year for Milwaukee, however he turned it up recently. In July, Yelich reached base at a .438 OBP clip. In August, he raked 11 home runs, which is his most in any month by 6.

The NL MVP race is wide open with some even considering pitchers.

St. Louis Cardinals Matt Carpenter, Arizona Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt, Atlanta Braves Freddie Freeman, and Chicago Cubs Javier Baez are the position players with a WAR near Yelich.

Despite Yeich’s tremendous season and impact on Milwaukee Brewers as they make a playoff run, why is Lorenzo Cain the team MVP?