The NL MVP has no clear-cut winner, with most of the favorites either succumbing to injuries, being a part of a mediocre club or lack of standout statistics. Here is my top three for this week, which could change significantly in a week.
1) Andrew McCutchen
Stats: 127 G, .321/.399/.507/.907 OPS, 17 HR, 73 RBI, 60 BB, 81 K, 26/35 SB
After years of elevating his level of play despite suffering through a string of sub .500 seasons in Pittsburgh, McCutchen has finally taken the Pirates to the level of a legitimate championship team. He is their most versatile player by a wide margin and is an outstanding defensive center fielder. The only knock is that his offensive numbers are not as gaudy as some of the other contenders, but I give him the nod because he is the closest thing to a complete package that there is in the NL right now.
2) Paul Goldschmidt
Stats: 128 G, .298/.397/.547/.944 OPS, 31 HR, 101 RBI, 80 BB, 117 K, 13/18 SB
Goldy posted a pretty solid .850 OPS last season, but has become the premier first basemen in the NL this season. His Diamondbacks are on the outside looking in, but if they make a run for the second playoff spot he can outlast McCutchen for the coveted award. He has also helped his case with his clutch ability, hitting two walkoff home runs in August and leads the league with 9 home runs in close/late situations.
3) Allen Craig
Stats: 125 G, .314/.374/.454/.827 OPS, 12 HR, 91 RBI, 40 BB, 93 K, 2/2 SB
This spot is extremely tough to evaluate. I mulled over whether to reward Joey Votto for his incredible plate discipline (101 BB, .941 OPS), Yadier Molina for his overall impact at the plate and behind the plate (57 percent caught stealing), or Clayton Kershaw for his dominance on the mound (1.72 ERA, 0.86 WHIP). Ultimately, I chose Craig because he is among the most clutch hitters in the game and is a tremendous run producer on a team likely headed for the playoffs.
