Could Ronald Acuña Jr actually win the National League MVP?
Ronald Acuña Jr is having an absolutely ridiculous season batting leadoff for Atlanta, leading MLB in several offensive categories. He's been commonly referred to as the NL MVP favorite, but what's his case for the award and who (and how close) are his competitors?
(All odds & stats prior to Saturday's games. Bold season totals indicate player led league. Italic season totals indicate player led all major leagues.)
OF Ronald Acuña Jr, Atlanta
1B Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
1B Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
RF Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
What does Ronald Acuña Jr need to do to secure the NL MVP award?
Acuña is on pace for 75 stolen bases, which would be the highest single-season total since José Reyes stole 78 in 78 for the New York Mets. But I think the key here is the homeruns - Ronald's on pace for only 37, and if he ends up being short of that 40/40 season (which has only happened four times in MLB history), it opens the door for someone else to split the vote with Ronald.
I still think he'd win the award at his current pace, but the vote might be closer than we'd like it to be. Assuming everything else stays the same, one simple power binge might lock this up for Ronald Acuña Jr.
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