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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2020 MLB Season: Top 5 NL East MVP candidates

Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves

Freddie Freeman has been a powerful force in the National League since his rookie year in 2011. Since 2013, he has finished in the top 10 on the MVP ballot four time, as well as being named to four All-Star teams.

The 2019 Silver Slugger had a .938 OPS. and hit 38 home runs with 121 RBI last season. If Freeman wants to be considered for the MVP award, he must raise his batting average to over .300 and raise his OPS. to over 1.000. This will make him a more favorable candidate.

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The main downfall for Freddie Freeman is Ronald Acuna Jr. Freeman is an elite player, ranked 15th overall by MLB Network, but he is not the best player on his team. This happens to players all the time. For example, Anthony Rizzo had an amazing 2016 season, but he was overshadowed by Kris Bryant, who won the MVP.

Despite how great of a season Freeman puts together, he is most likely going to be stuck in Acuna’s shadow. Voters are going to favor Acuna because he is much younger, much faster, and has a more dynamic game.

Freeman will be on ballots regardless because the Atlanta Braves should be a contender once again and Freeman is their second-best player.

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