NL MVP Race Power Rankings 2019
By Parker White
The MVP in the National League is more top-heavy than what you'll see over in the American League, with several players deserving to be in the conversation for the honors, but it very well could be an easy decision if the season continues to play out like it is.
Here's a look at the power rankings for the 2019 NL MVP.
10. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are rebuilding a little bit, but they found a true gem in Ketel Marte, who leads the league in hits (152) to go along with a .949 OPS and 25 home runs. He's had spectacular year for Arizona and should be mentioned despite playing for a bad team.
9. Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
Different year but another monster season from Nolan Arenado, who is hitting .302 with 30 home runs and 94 RBI. Unfortunately, the Rockies have been a huge disappointment and are one of the worst teams in the league, making his MVP candidacy a moot point, but his play is definitely deserving of a top 10 candidacy.
8. Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates
I know the Pittsburgh Pirates stink, but All-Star first baseman Josh Bell doesn't. Bell is slashing .280/.365/.585 with 36 doubles, 31 home runs and 98 RBI, and if the Pirates were in the Wild Card mix he'd be receiving a lot more consideration.
7. Hyun-Jin Ryu, Los Angeles Dodgers
Hyun-Jin Ryu isn't going to blow you away with power stuff, but he just so happens to lead baseball with a microscopic 1.64 ERA. Because he doesn't have big strikeout numbers or things of that nature, he won't be in the conversation for NL MVP, but you can't ignore what this Dodger southpaw not named Clayton Kershaw is doing.
6. Pete Alonso, New York Mets
We've seen 40-homer seasons before, but not many from rookies. New York's Pete Alonso appears to be the runaway favorite to win Rookie of the Year, but maybe he should be getting more love in the MVP race? It's a bit of a long shot, but if the Mets make the playoffs it'll because of Alonso's bat.
5. Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals
Even though he's a model of consistency every year, Anthony Rendon never gets talked about. Now with Bryce Harper gone, you'd hope that people are paying attention to Rendon's monster 2019 season where he's slashing .318/.397/.605 with 27 home runs and 97 RBI. It was doom and gloom in D.C. for awhile, but Rendon has put this team on his back.
4. Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
Acuña Jr. may jump start the offense, but this team will go as far as Freddie Freeman takes them. The Braves first baseman is having another monster season, as he's slashing .303/.396/.562 with 31 home runs and a league-leading 98 RBI. Just another under-the-radar superstar campaign from Freeman.
3. Ronald Acuña Jr, Atlanta Braves
While Bellinger and Yelich are the clear front runners, Atlanta Braves phenom Ronald Acuña Jr. is right there. Atlanta's leadoff man is slashing .296/.376/.544 with 35 home runs and 85 RBI, while leading the NL in runs (104) and stolen bases (29). He can beat you in so many ways at the top of the lineup, which is why the Braves lead the NL East.
2. Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers
Since Christian Yelich has missed some time lately with a back injury, he's slipped a little in the MVP race. However, that was before coming back and having a monster weekend series in Washington. Yelich is back leading the league in batting average (.335), on-base percentage (.424), slugging percentage (.698) and OPS (1.122) to go along with 41 home runs and 89 RBI. The reigning MVP is still in the mix, for sure.
1. Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
It's been the Belli and Yeli Show for most of the season, but the slugger on the Los Angeles Dodgers might be pulling ahead just a bit. Not only does Cody Bellinger play for the best team in the league, but he's a Gold Glove-caliber defender at various positions and leads all of baseball with 42 home runs while slashing .317/.415/.671 with 97 RBI.