2022 MLB NL MVP Watch: June 5

Time Stamp: June 5, 2022 7:12 PM

The MLB NL MVP Award is given out annually to the best performing player in the National League. So far in 2022, the race for the NL MVP is a very close one, with a few surprising candidates. Today, we will dive a little deeper into a few of the leading candidates as of June 5.

Manny Machado, 3B San Diego Padres

Manny Machado has displayed serious skills this season that we had never seen from him through his decorated career so far. Machado is a real threat to win the NL batting title as well as potentially leading the league in WAR. He showcases above-average contact and power to all fields, though he is mainly a pull hitter, with near 40% of his batted balls coming to the pull side. He currently has the Padres among the best teams in the MLB, without his co-star, Fernando Tatis Jr. Machado displayed plus-defense as well as his elite offense, making him one of the more complete players in the league.

Avg: .344

OBP: .421

SLG: .566

HR: 9

RBI: 32

2B: 13

K/BB: 36/25

WAR: 3.5

Mookie Betts, OF Los Angeles Dodgers

Avg: .308

OBP: .391

SLG: .607

HR: 16

RBI: 36

2B: 12

K/BB: 38/26

WAR: 3.2

Through June 4th, Mookie Betts is the National League leader in home runs, just trailing the Yankees’ Aaron Judge for the league lead. He is among the best outfield defenders in the league as well as an above average base runner. His power numbers have been off the charts as well as holding an average of above .300. He has swung at nearly 23% of first pitches this year, showcasing an aggressiveness that isn’t well known for Mookie Betts. This season is his best start to a year since his 2018 MVP campaign in which he put together a historic season.

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B St Louis Cardinals

Avg: .349

OBP: .427

SLG: .630

HR: 12

RBI: 47

2B: 18

K/BB: 44/27

WAR: 3.1

Paul Goldschmidt was the May NL Player of the Month, for good reason. In the month of May, he was incredible. In May, he put up a slash line of .404/.471/.817 while tallying 42 hits and 10 home runs. He also added 33 RBIs and 14 walks. He was the hottest hitter in baseball and this month thrust him directly into the conversation of who the NL MVP should be. With over 100 games remaining, Goldschmidt has the opportunity to stay hot and he could even find himself in the running for being a triple crown winner. He is currently top 8 in the National League in average, home runs, and RBIs.

Prediction: Manny Machado, 3B San Diego Padres

Manny Machado has been very impressive this season. His statistics have been as good as anybody’s. But his biggest argument for the MVP award goes beyond the stat sheet. Before the season, the Padres star shortstop, Fernando Tatis Jr. suffered an injury that would sideline him for months. He has yet to make his 2022 debut. This caused many to count the Padres out, at least for the beginning of the season. But Machado has kept them afloat in the NL standings. And he has done more than just keep their head above water. He has carried them to the top 5 of the entire MLB, challenging the Dodgers for the division title. The NL MVP race is a very close one. The leaders could look very different a month from now.

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