MLB: Predicting the National League MVP finalists

Predicting the 5 MVP Finalists in the National League

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 17: A detail shot of the 2018 NL MVP award won by Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers on January 17, 2019 at the Major League Baseball Office of the Commissioner in New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ** /

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(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

4th- Paul Goldschmidt, STL, 1B

Paul Goldschmidt is no stranger to the NL MVP conversation. He has placed in the top six for the award four different times, even though he has yet to win it. Even though he is one of the newest St. Louis Cardinals, Goldschmidt is already making a huge impact.

The Cardinals are expected to be a contender for the National League Central division this season, along with the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers. The newly acquired and extended first baseman will try to bring St. Louis back to the postseason since 2015.

The six-time All-Star already has seven home runs through 18 games. Despite only batting .239, his OPS is currently .907. Last season, Goldschmidt struggled through May. Many were nervous about his slow start, but he was able to hit .304 after the All-Star break, and get his batting average up to .290, while smashing 33 home runs and 83 RBI. He has time to raise his average, but his power is still relevant and present.

He is going to be a huge part of their lineup and hopefully the difference maker that takes them back to the playoffs. Arguably the best MLB first baseman in the past five seasons, the Cardinals hope to see a lot of production out of Goldschmidt as the season continues.

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