Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
If you go out and make an argument for Arizona Diamondbacks’ first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to win the National League MVP award, there aren’t going to be that many that argue the point. Those who would likely could throw names like Freddie Freeman, Yadier Molina and Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen out there. While each of these men had great seasons and will probably get a vote or two, Goldschmidt edges out all but one of them.
When you look at strictly the base line numbers for offense, Goldschmidt clearly drove in more runs and had more home runs than anyone else on the list we have here. When you look at deeper numbers however McCutchen becomes a little more valuable. That will get plenty of argument but mostly for people who do not realize that the MVP is not given, or should not be given to the best offensive player. It should go to the most valuable all around.
Goldschmidt has better offensive numbers than Freeman and Molina and a Higher RAR and WAR as well. His replacement value is even just a tad more than McCutchen’s. Still, when you look at the defensive value of each player, Goldschmidt falls slightly behind. You really see the difference when looking at Cutch’s 76.6 RAR and 8.2 WAR. Goldschmidt came in with 59.3 RAR and 6.4 WAR.
It will be close or it should be. Considering it is humans that cast votes, it could go either way. IT really is that close. I believe however that McCutchen’s overall value on both sides and on the bases will give him the edge over Goldschmidt’s career year.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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