Ronald Acuña Jr. has the type of numbers that make the younger Atlanta Braves star a no-doubter for the National League MVP award.

Then once more, so does Dodgers standout Mookie Betts. And his teammate, Freddie Freeman.

It’s getting near the postseason for Major League Baseball, which additionally means it’s near award season. Some of the races are tighter than others, and it seems the NL MVP race is a very epic chase.

Acuña has been the favourite for months. He’s the catalyst for a strong Braves offense that leads the large leagues by scoring practically six runs per sport. The 25-year-old outfielder even created his very personal membership this season, turning into the one and solely participant in MLB historical past with a minimum of 30 homers and 60 stolen bases.

Who may beat that?

Well, Betts is definitely attempting. The 2018 AL MVP has someway put himself into the dialogue with a stellar second half that has propelled the Dodgers to the highest of the NL West. He’s batting .311 with 37 doubles, 39 homers, 103 RBIs and 11 stolen bases - all whereas transferring between proper subject, second base and even shortstop.

If superior metrics are your factor, Betts has a 7.9 Wins Above Replacement whereas Acuña is at 7.3, in accordance with FanGraphs.

Then there’s Freeman, the 2020 NL MVP, who's batting .339 with 55 doubles, 26 homers, 93 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.

The favourite: Acuña Jr.

In the combo: Betts, Freeman, Matt Olson (Braves).

The race: It nonetheless looks like Acuña is a large favourite due to a mixture of pace and energy that’s by no means been seen within the massive leagues. Betts and Freeman are additionally poised to obtain loads of love from voters. And let’s take a minute to understand Olson, a 51-homer first baseman who has been a drive all season.

The favourite: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels.

In the combo: Corey Seager (Rangers), Marcus Semien (Rangers), Kyle Tucker (Astros).

The race: Ohtani’s probably obtained this one wrapped up. His two-way prowess was derailed by a torn elbow ligament in August, however for 5 months, he handled baseball followers to probably the most spectacular performances in MLB historical past. Seager and Semien have been implausible for a Rangers group that's vastly improved however backsliding in September. Tucker has emerged as an under-the-radar star for the defending World Series champ.

The favourite: Blake Snell, San Diego Padres.

In the combo: Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks), Justin Steele (Cubs), Spencer Strider (Braves).

The race: This one continues to be up for grabs within the season’s closing weeks. Snell in all probability has one of the best general numbers, however he’ll be damage by the truth that the Padres have underachieved this season. Gallen not too long ago pitched a shutout towards the Cubs, serving to his case, however then he was knocked round by the Mets on Wednesday. Speaking of the Cubs, Steele has come out of nowhere to be the ace for the stunning playoff contenders. Strider’s ERA has creeped upward over the previous month, nevertheless it’s arduous to disregard these 250 strikeouts.

The favourite: Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees.

In the combo: Luis Castillo (Mariners), Sonny Gray (Twins).

The race: The Yankees have been an enormous disappointment this season, nevertheless it’s not Cole’s fault. The veteran right-hander has a 13-4 report, 2.79 ERA and 204 strikeouts. Castillo has been a key cog for the Mariners, who've made an unlikely cost up the standings since they have been sellers on the commerce deadline.

The favourite: Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks.

In the combo: Spencer Steer (Reds), Kodai Senga (Mets), Matt McLain (Reds).

The race: Carroll has slowed a bit of within the second half, however he’s nonetheless hit 24 homers and stole 47 bases, serving to the Diamondbacks keep within the playoff race all 12 months. Steer, McClain and Elly De La Cruz are amongst a number of younger Reds who've made a right away impression within the massive leagues. At 30 years previous, Senga isn’t a traditional rookie, however has been among the many vivid spots in a troublesome season for the Mets.

The favourite: Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles.

In the combo: Josh Jung (Rangers), Triston Casas (Red Sox), Tanner Bibee (Guardians).

The race: Henderson’s clearly the favourite, significantly after Jung was sidelined with an harm in August. The Orioles shortstop has helped flip the franchise right into a powerhouse. He’s hit 25 homers, all whereas offering stellar protection at shortstop and third base.

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