Top Five NL MVP Candidates

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August 12, 2024

As Major League Baseball enters the “dog days” of August and title races begin to wrap up, the best hitters across the National League have separated themselves from the pack. The best of the best have dominated all year and will win awards for it. But of the best in the National League, who is in contention for the MVP? While there are many talented players, these are the top five NL MVP Candidates.

5. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

While the McDonald’s mascot “Grimace” might be getting the credit for saving the New York Mets’ season, Francisco Lindor has been a massive part of it as well. The best ability is availability, and Lindor has played in every game this year for the Mets. While not missing a single matchup and leading Major League Baseball in plate appearances, Lindor has had a great year from behind the plate. After starting the year incredibly slow, Lindor’s batting average and on-base percentage have climbed to a respectable .260 and .333. Including his 22 home runs and 24 stolen bases, Lindor has shown that he is still the franchise player for the Mets while being the primary catalyst for the Mets’ return to playoff contention. Especially with a dWAR at 1.0 this year, Lindor has a case to be one of the NL MVP Candidates.

4. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies

Bryce Harper is having an incredible season on one of the best teams in baseball. While not his personal best, Harper is still hitting .279 with an impressive .371 on-base percentage. The Philadelphia Phillie’s first basemen also leads the National League in intentional walks, showing the threat he poses as a hitter. Harper also has 26 home runs, which is tied for the most of any first basemen this season. While not an obvious contender who is likely to walk away with the award, leading the National League’s best team is a massive bonus for Harper’s 2024 campaign. The impressive .912 OPS proves that Harper is among the National League’s best. If the Phillies stay contenders for the NL pennant, Harper stays an NL MVP Candidate.

3. Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves

Marcell Ozuna had a good year last year, but this season has been great. Ozuna leads the National League in home runs and RBI this year while keeping the injured Atlanta Braves in the playoff race. Ozuna has played every game for the Braves this season and maintained an elite .301 batting average and .373 on-base percentage. The Braves’ designated hitter also got his first All-Star selection since 2017, showcasing dominance as one of baseball’s best power hitters. While the Braves have struggled with injuries, losing both 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and Cy Young candidate Spencer Strider early in the season, Ozuna has stepped up as one of the National League’s best and showcased that he is an obvious NL MVP Candidate.

2. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

After reaching the World Series in 2023, the expectations for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Ketel Marte were massive. While the Diamondbacks have struggled to recapture last year’s magic, Marte has been one of Major League Baseball’s best players. Marte has 30 home runs, 81 RBI, and an impressive .370 On-Base percentage to boast. But what separates Marte from Ozuna is that Marte is one of baseball’s best defensive players. The Diamondbacks’ second baseman has accrued a 1.4 dWAR, which goes into his National League-best WAR of 6.1. Based solely on WAR, Marte has been the most valuable player in the National League. While it’s not enough to be No. 1 on the list, Marte is easily second amongst NL MVP Candidates.

1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

Many would arugue that Shohei Ohtani is not even from earth, and for good reason. After signing the most expensive contract in baseball history this offseason, Ohtani has lived up to the seemingly impossible expectations. Ohtani has dominated for the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading the National League in a plethora of stats. This includes runs (87), home runs (35), slugging percentage (.616), OPS (1.001), and total bases (279). This doesn’t even include an impressive .385 on-base percentage or the 32 steals that make Ohtani a likely candidate to join baseball’s 40-40 club. While the Dodger isn’t pitching due to his arm needing to recover, Ohtani has had one of his best seasons ever and seems poised to win his third MVP in the last four years.