Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto as an MVP candidate
It has been years since Joey Votto was an MVP candidate. The Cincinnati Reds‘ first baseman had not received any votes since his runner-up finish in 2017 as he had begun to fade due to age. While he was still an All Star in 2018, his glory days seemed far behind him.
But that is no longer the case. Votto has found the Fountain of Youth this season, hitting homers at an impressive rate while continuing to get on base at a strong clip. He has continued to ignite the Reds’ offense, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto as an MVP candidate
Votto continued his impressive return to form on Wednesday. He put together another two homer game, bringing him to 25 home runs on the season. With a .285/.375/.583 batting line and 72 homers, he is in the midst of his best season since that aforementioned 2017 campaign.
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It has not been all smooth sailing for him this season. Votto was suspended for a game due to his reaction to a ridiculously bad call. He also missed time due to a broken thumb, causing him to miss a month of action.
But he has been white hot since returning. The NL Player of the Month in July, Votto has continued to hit the ball hard into August. He may well set a career high in homers, and as the Reds continue to be a part of the postseason chase, he is serving a reminder that he is not done just yet.
That reminder may also come once the season is over. Although Votto is not going to win the NL MVP award, he should still receive down ballot votes. If he continues this surge, and the Reds are able to fight their way back into a playoff spot, he may even receive more consideration than anyone would have expected.
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Joey Votto is having a magnificent season. The Cincinnati Reds first baseman deserves a strong showing on the NL MVP ballot.