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NL MVP race heats up with these four players making their case

ByCJ Luther|
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 19: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers stand at first base in the fifth inning at Miller Park on April 19, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 19: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers stand at first base in the fifth inning at Miller Park on April 19, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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MLB Players Power Rankings: Ketel Marte
(Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

2019 NL MVP Race

Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

Although Bellinger, Yelich, Rendon, and Acuna Jr. arguably dominate the discussion for NL MVP, there are other candidates who will likely receive consideration.

Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamonbacks has enjoyed a phenomenal breakout season amidst a move to the outfield. Accumulating 6.5 WAR, Marte is slashing .328/.387/.591. He’s set a career-high in HR (30), thanks to a massive increase in launch angle (5.7 degrees to 11.3 degrees). As excellent as he’s been, falls victim to playing for a team that hasn’t garnered much national attention and will miss the playoffs. He’ll certainly receive down-ballot votes, but a real shot at the award is likely out of reach.

While the MVP award is historically difficult for pitchers to win, there are a few hurlers in the NL who warrant consideration. Hyun-Jin Ryu, Jacob deGrom, and Max Scherzer have all had excellent seasons, each finding themselves at the front of the NL Cy Young race. We’ll have more on that race soon, but as far as the NL MVP is concerned, their names will be mentioned, although its unlikely they get serious consideration.

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