With the playoffs set to begin, now is the time to look back on MLB’s regular season and bestow some awards, the most important of which are the American and National League MVPs.
In the NL, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich – who helped lead his team to a 3-1 victory over the Cubs in game 163 yesterday in Chicago – should be a shoo-in.
A Triple Crown candidate throughout the season, Yelich finished his 2018 campaign hitting .326 with 110 RBI and 36 home runs. “You never think of being in that conversation for the Triple Crown,” Yelich said Sunday. “You don’t even dream about that. It’s a dumb dream. Get real. It’s something that you just have to embrace and not shy away from but realize that, ‘Hey, we’ve got a bigger team goal.’”
Things get a little more complicated in the AL as it is actually a pair of teammates, Boston’s Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, who are vying for the award.
But, considering only one of them really plays in the field, it should be Betts that walks away with the trophy.
Martinez crushed 43 home runs and led the majors with 130 RBIs. He also hit .330, but finished second to Betts (.346) in the batting race. Betts was no slouch in hitting for power either and had 32 homers, 80 RBIs, and scored 129 runs. What clinches it is Betts’ defense in right field at Fenway Park and the fact that he swiped 30 bags in 36 attempts.
In the AL, Mike Trout also makes a compelling, albeit familiar, case for winning the MVP.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
