The Emergence of Nolan Arenado as a Leading Candidate for NL MVP
The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant trade before the 2021 season, acquiring Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies. Back then, they knew they were getting a perennial All-Star, but little did they know that Arenado would exceed their expectations in the 2022 season.
A Standout Performance
In just 27 games, Arenado has already hit seven home runs, putting himself among the top contenders for the National League (NL) MVP award. His offensive production has been exceptional, showcasing some of the best hitting of his career.
The MVP Odds
FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists Arenado as a +650 pick to win the NL MVP award. At the beginning of the season, he was considered a long shot at +2500. However, his impressive performance has catapulted him into the second spot alongside Juan Soto, trailing behind Manny Machado (+600).
Consistent Offensive Power and Stellar Defense
Arenado’s batting average sits at an impressive .330, accompanied by a 1.021 OPS. Furthermore, he continues to play Gold Glove-caliber third-base defense for the Cardinals, making him a true asset to the team.
Arenado’s Track Record
Arenado is no stranger to MVP contention, having finished in the top 10 in the NL MVP voting on five separate occasions. Although his highest finish was third place in 2018, his current performance suggests that he can still contend for the prestigious award.
Dispelling Doubts and Power Display
At the age of 31, some believed that Arenado’s best years as an MVP candidate were behind him. However, he has proved them wrong by consistently displaying his power-hitting abilities regardless of the ballpark. Last year, he hit .255 for St. Louis but still managed to launch 34 home runs and tally 105 RBIs. Additionally, he has shown impressive plate discipline this season, walking in 10.4% of his plate appearances.
Maintaining Momentum and Future Expectations
While it is unlikely that Arenado will maintain his current .330 batting average throughout the season, his ability to hit over 40 home runs could still put him in contention for the MVP award. Given the struggling offenses across the league, his power-hitting becomes even more valuable in the race.
Machado Leading the NL MVP Race
Currently, Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres poses the biggest threat to Arenado’s NL MVP aspirations. Machado has been exceptional this season, stepping up for his team in the absence of Fernando Tatis Jr. He leads the NL in batting average (.385), on-base percentage (.460), and OPS (1.103), while also hitting seven home runs.
The Battle of Veterans vs. Young Superstars
As the season progresses, both Arenado and Machado are expected to face some regression. However, if they can maintain their strong performances, they might be able to fend off the emerging generation of young superstars in the NL MVP race for another year.
Conclusion
Nolan Arenado’s trade to the St. Louis Cardinals has proven to be a game-changer for both him and the team. With exceptional offensive production and outstanding defense, Arenado has emerged as a leading candidate for the NL MVP award. While Machado currently presents a formidable challenge, it will be intriguing to see how these veterans fare against the rising stars in the chase for MVP honors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times has Nolan Arenado been an MVP contender?
Arenado has finished in the top 10 in the NL MVP voting on five occasions in his career, with his highest finish being third place in 2018.
2. How has Arenado performed defensively for the Cardinals?
Arenado continues to exhibit Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base for the Cardinals, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
3. Can Arenado maintain his current offensive pace throughout the season?
While it is unlikely that Arenado will maintain his current .330 batting average, his power-hitting ability suggests that he can still be a strong contender for the NL MVP award.
4. How does Machado’s performance compare to Arenado’s in the MVP race?
Machado, currently leading the NL MVP race, has been exceptional with his offensive numbers and all-around contributions to the Padres. However, Arenado’s impressive statistics and defensive prowess make him a strong contender as well.
5. Can Arenado and Machado hold off the emerging young superstars in the NL MVP race?
As the season progresses, both Arenado and Machado are likely to face some regression. However, if they can maintain their strong performances, they have a good chance of competing with the emerging young superstars for the NL MVP award.
