The MLB season is actually already past the mid-way point, but with the All-Star break now here, it's a perfect time to take a look at the National League MVP race. It's a fairly tight race for the award, although much can change between now and the end of the season.
We've narrowed it down to the top seven contenders for the NL MVP below, although there are still a few players who could enter the discussion before the end of the season. There isn't much difference between the players here, especially in the Top 3. With that in mind, here are the NL MVP Mid-Season Power Rankings.
7. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
Arenado is just 25 and likely hasn't even reached his ceiling, but he's putting together an impressive year. He's one of the best defensive third basemen in the game and is killing it at the plate. He leads the NL with 70 RBIs and his 23 homers aren't far behind. His .287 batting average isn't all-world, but it's plenty good enough. Unfortunately for Arenado, the Rockies 40-48 record won't help his chances.
6. Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals
The unanimous NL MVP last season, Harper isn't having quite as good a season in 2016. Teams are pitching around him, which is why he leads the NL in walks and intentional walks. He's hitting only .256, but still has 19 homers and 52 RBIs. Plus, few would be surprised if Harper pulled out a second half surge.
5. Matt Carpenter, INF, Cardinals
Carpenter has played first, second and third base this season and that defensive versatility helps his case. He's hitting .298, but is getting on-base better than anyone in the NL, with a .420 on-base percentage. He has only three more strikeouts than walks this season and has 53 RBIs, 14 homers and 24 doubles. Carpenter might not be as sexy a name as some of the others on this list, but he deserves a spot.
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs
After finishing fourth in the MVP race last year, Rizzo is once again in the mix this season. He has 21 homers and 63 RBIs, but those aren't his most impressive stats. He has a .416 on-base percentage and a NL-best 1.006 OPS. He's also solid with the glove, but there's another Cub above him.
3. Daniel Murphy, 2B, Nationals
The Mets didn't want to bring back Murphy this year. Oops. Murphy still struggles on the defensive side, but he makes up for it with his bat. He leads the NL with an impressive .348 batting average. He also has 17 homers, 66 RBIs and a .985 OPS. Murphy might not win, but he should get plenty of votes this year if he keeps playing
2. Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs
Bryant isn't the greatest fielder, but last year's NL Rookie of the Year doesn't need to be. He still strikes out too often, but he's cut down on those substantially this year. He's already at 25 homers, one shy of his mark from last year. Throw in his 65 RBIs, .286 batting average and a league-best 73 runs scored, and it's easy to see why Bryant is so high. He's the top hitter on the list, but not the top player.
1. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
Yes, pitchers count on this list. Kershaw has been completely dominant, and he's been even better than his 2014 season, when he also won the MVP. He went on the disabled list at the very end of June, and still has an incredible 11-2 record and a simple absurd 145 strike outs against nine walks. He leads the NL in ERA (1.79), shutouts (3) and WHIP (.727). Provided Kershaw comes back and continues to dominate, he'll win the NL MVP award this year.
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