These players have never gotten the accolades they deserve.
If you’re a baseball fan, then you know these names: Bryce Harper, Kris Bryant, and Nolan Arenado. They are prime candidates be named the National League’s 2018 Most Valuable Player.
But I also think there are darkhorse candidates in the MVP race. Who are they? Here are my picks.
1. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves (20-1 odds)
Courtesy: blacksportsonline.com
Freeman flies below the radar screen. It’s because less talented players, like Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager, play on contending teams. But even if the Braves fail to contend, I still think Freeman needs to be considered. He’s a .300 hitter and slugs 30+ home runs a season. Those stats, I say, should place him among the top three first basemen in the league.
I know he has lagged in the RBI department, especially when compared to players like Paul Goldschmidt and Joey Votto, but I also think that may change. I foresee plenty of chances for Freeman to drive in the Braves’ lineup of young studs that includes Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, and Dansby Swanson.
2. Christian Yelich, OF, Brewers (200-1 odds)
Courtesy: Brew Crew Ball
Christian Yelich is now in Milwaukee, the result of Derek Jeter’s roster blowup, and I think the change will enhance his profile. Yelich is a career .290 hitter with a career OBP that’s higher than Anthony Rizzo’s. He’s also a Gold Glove winner with a remarkable fielding percentage (.992).
With the Brewers, Yelich is likely either be the leadoff hitter or hit in the two-hole. With elite hitters like Lorenzo Cain, Travis Shaw, and Ryan Braun following him in the order, the Brewers could make a playoff run. And, if things fall into place, don’t be surprised if Christian Yelich makes a run at the NL MVP.
3. Marcell Ozuna, OF, Cardinals (50-1 odds)
Courtesy: Yahoo! Sports
Ozuna is another former Marlin who didn’t get the recognition he deserved. Boo! What numbers he had in 2016! Ozuna hit .312, slugged a whopping 37 home run, and had a .355 average on balls in play.
I think the move to St. Louis will help him. He’ll produce as long as he gets a chance to play consistently and Ozuna has already said he’ll be happy to be the Cardinals’ cleanup hitter. St. Louis has always been a winning ballclub and that culture will help elevate Ozuna’s career.
