New York Mets: Injuries only thing stopping Jacob deGrom MVP run

The New York Mets have had an impressive season. Despite a litany of injuries, and a list of players on the Injured List that could defeat half the teams in the majors, they have been able to do more than tread water. The Mets are the only team in the NL East over .500, something that would have been unforeseen at the start of the year given the expected strength of the division.

Jacob deGrom has been a major part of that success. He has reminded everyone why he is arguably the best pitcher on the planet right now, leading the Mets to their current record. In doing so, not only is he the clear frontrunner for the NL Cy Young award, but he has to be considered a favorite for the MVP award as well.

Injuries alone can stop New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom

But there is always that one factor that can get in the way. Even more than the Mets’ laughably putrid offense whenever he takes the mound, injuries can sideline even the best pitchers. deGrom had already missed a start earlier this season due to a brief stint on the IL, and he left his outing on Friday with right flexor tendonitis, an injury to one of his fingers.

The Mets are certainly hoping that this is a minor injury and that he will not miss much, if any, time. deGrom has posted a 0.56 ERA and a 0.531 WHiP over his 64 innings, striking out 103 batters with eight walks. He has been on a completely different plane this year, with a level of dominance that has not been seen in baseball history.

He has not just dominated on the mound. deGrom has been solid with the bat as well, with ten hits in his 25 plate appearances, driving in five runs. In fact, he currently has the most innings pitched in a season with more RBI than earned runs allowed, although that mark may be shattered by Shohei Ohtani within the next month.

It is fair to say that deGrom has been the biggest reason that the Mets are in the position they currently hold. He easily leads the team in bWAR, and is tied for first in the National League. However, none of those other players have made as much of a difference to their teams as deGrom has, making him the literal definition of the Most Valuable Player in the NL.

Jacob deGrom has been on a level all his own this season. The only thing that could stop the New York Mets pitcher from the MVP award is health.