2020 MLB Season: top 5 NL East MVP candidates, ranked

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets celebrates his third inning home run against the Atlanta Braves as he runs the bases at Citi Field on September 28, 2019 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Braves 3-0. The home run was Alonso's 53rd of the season setting a new rookie record. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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Honorable Mentions

Jacob deGrom

Over his last two Cy Young seasons, Jacob deGrom finished fifth on the NL MVP ballot in 2018 and 10th in 2019.

If deGrom remains dominant and continues to carry the Mets like he has the past two years, he will get votes once again to be named MVP.

A pitcher has not won the award in the NL since Clayton Kershaw in 2014, who was the first pitcher to win in the NL since Bob Gibson in 1968.

J.T. Realmuto

In 2019, Realmuto was named to his second All-Star team, won his second Silver Slugger and his first Gold Glove. The backstop will only be 29 next season.

He has career highs in home runs, RBIs, and doubles last season. If he continues to build off of last year’ success, he will be looked at as an MVP candidate. He would be the first catcher to win the award since Buster Posey in 2012.

Realmuto’s MVP chances are contingent with the Phillies making the playoffs.

Max Scherzer

Despite being a pitcher, Scherzer is an MVP candidate every year. He has had three top-ten finishes on the ballot in his career. He is a dominant pitcher and puts up crazy numbers.

If the three-time Cy Young winner stays healthy and puts together a crazy season and the Nationals return to the playoffs, Scherzer will be on ballots. He needs to win a Cy Young and be absolutely dominant if he wants to win the MVP during the 2020 MLB season.

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