2018 MLB awards: Breaking down the ballots

By David Hill | Oct 2, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 1: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with teammates after defeating the Chicago Cubs, 3-1, during the game against the Chicago Cubs on Monday, October 1, 2018 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Durochik/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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(Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images) /

National League MVP: Christian Yelich – Milwaukee Brewers

While every team has a player that is vital to the success of their club, the Milwaukee Brewers may not have made the postseason without Christian Yelich.

One of the Brewers additions this offseason, Milwaukee had hoped that the former Marlins All Star would be the final piece they needed to win that elusive first World Championship. He certainly did his part, finishing the year just short of winning the Triple Crown.

He made quite the impressive first impression with the Brewers. In that first year, he posted a .326/.402/.598 batting line, leading the league in batting average. Yelich was tied for third with 36 homers and tied for second with 110 RBI, coming ever so close to that milestone. He also contributed a career best 21 steals and seven triples, using his speed effectively for Milwaukee as well.

While the Brewers had a solid team overall, Yelich added a dimension that the roster did not have. He was a versatile defensive outfielder, splitting his time in right and left. Not only was he another power bat, but he had a combination of power and speed that the Brewers were lacking in their roster. Yelich was a true difference maker for Milwaukee, helping to lead them to the NL Central title.

Also considered: Javy Baez, Matt Carpenter, Jacob deGrom, Freddie Freeman

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