Cubs Have Two Worthy Candidates But the MVP Is In Washington

When considering candidates to win the Most Valuable Player award for the National League with a month left in the 2016 season, one would certainly have to start with members of the best team. The Chicago Cubs have more wins than any other team in baseball, and with a twelve game lead they are shoe ins to get home field advantage in the playoffs.

Two players from the Cubs deserve plenty of consideration for MVP, the team’s two corner infielders. First baseman Anthony Rizzo is definitely in the running, as is third baseman Kris Bryant.

Rizzo, who has unquestionably been the Cubs MVP for the past three seasons, is among the league leaders in each of the triple crown categories. He has 24 home runs, 82 runs batted in, and a .287 batting average.

Bryant, who last year won the Rookie of the Year award, has been just as good as Rizzo. He has 28 home runs, 72 runs batted in, and a .288 batting average.

Rizzo has slightly higher on base and slugging percentages, but his defensive position is not as demanding as that of Bryant. Rizzo has certainly had more RBI opportunities, given that Bryant hits in front of him. On the other hand Bryant likely sees better pitches to hit, having Rizzo waiting on deck behind him.

That they would have a most difficult task deciding which of the two Cubs is more deserving of the M.V.P. should not really concern the voters who ultimately select the winner of the award. All they have to do is look away from Chicago to the N.L. East.

Washington second baseman Daniel Murphy should warrant the most attention for MVP. He went on a tear last year as he led the Mets to the World Series, and he has continued his streak this season after signing a free agent contract with the Nationals.

Murphy’s .348 batting average is best in the league by far, and he has 24 home runs to go along with it. He also tops in the league in hits, doubles, on base percentage, and slugging percentage.

More importantly, Murphy has been the offensive anchor for the Nationals, who have been in first in the N.L. East nearly all season. His performance has helped compensate for the solid but somewhat disappointing season of teammate Bryce Harper, who was the N.L. MVP last year.

While the Cubs have the best record and two worthy candidates for MVP, the Nats look as if they will have a player win the award for the second straight year.

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