With a little under two months left in the MLB season, the MVP race in the AL is decided already with Shohei Ohtani’s greatness. Yet, the NL MVP might be a little closer than we think.
For most of the season, Ronald Acuna Jr. seemed to be a lock for the award. If you look at betting odds, he still seems to have it locked up being priced at -2000.
After looking at numbers, the last month has shown Freddie Freeman come out of no where to become the second favorite. Albeit he is priced at a long shot of +850.
Yet, this race between to ex teammates could be closer than we think.
NL MVP Race: By the Numbers
If you compare stats, the race seems a lot closer than it appears from the betting numbers. Also, in my opinion if you take stolen bases away, Freeman could and should be the winner.
Leave stolen bases in and Acuna’s season is really something special. He has 53 stolen bases as of August 7th to Freeman’s 16. Not a surprise given the lack of speed from Freeman and the explosiveness that is Ronald Acuna Jr.
Looking at every other stat however and there is an argument at least for Freeman. Maybe, just maybe Freeman can have two of the hottest months of his career and steal the award from under Acuna’s nose. Just a thought at least.
Freeman’s 80 RBI’s to Acuna’s 67 give him the advantage. Outside of that all of the other numbers are a toss up with both being almost identical.
Acuna is averaging .343 from the plate, with 25 home runs and an OPS of 1.014. He has hit 28 doubles and scored 99 runs himself on the season.
While Freeman is averaging .339 with 23 home runs and an OPS of 1.011. Freeman has 40 doubles and 97 runs on the season.
Last Two Months Could Be Fun
Wow, if that is not close you can call me sally.
Yes Acuna has been electric this season and has been maybe the second best player in baseball behind Ohtani. If you would of asked me three weeks ago about this I would of laughed and said Acuna is the clear cut favorite and it is for a reason.
However as of late Freeman has turned it up a gear and it looking to be playing his best baseball. I know it is a long shot but boy could this race be fun to watch if the next two weeks go Freeman’s way.
Rowan Donaghey is a Sports and Betting insider, and breaking news reporter for Stare Down Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @RowanDonaghey
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