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Ranking Top 10 Early NL MVP Candidates Heading Into 2015 MLB Season

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By @nick_villano

Top 10 NL MVP Candidates

Paul Goldschmidt
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The National League is filled with great young talent, making picking the MVP prior to the season nearly impossible. I will still give it my best shot, so here are the top 10 candidates for this year's NL MVP award.

10. David Wright

Wright
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10. David Wright

Wright
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David Wright would have never been a surprise on this list two years ago. After showing signs of decline, Wright still has enough left in the tank to have one more great season.

9. Troy Tulowitzki

Tulowitzki
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9. Troy Tulowitzki

Tulowitzki
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Troy Tulowitzki needs to stay on the field. If he doesn't get injured, he is probably the league MVP. The Colorado Rockies live and die by his health. If he stays healthy, the Rockies could be very good and he should be a candidate.

8. Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw
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8. Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw
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Clayton Kershaw is the reigning MVP in the National League, but I find it very hard to believe that the writers would vote for a pitcher two years in a row. While unlikely, nobody should count out Kershaw when it comes to hardware.

7. Bryce Harper

Harper
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7. Bryce Harper

Harper
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Bryce Harper was said in the same breath as Mike Trout two years ago. He will eventually find that amazing talent that gives him so much potential. If he plays up to his ability, then he is a sure-shot MVP candidate.

6. Anthony Rizzo

Rizzo
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6. Anthony Rizzo

Rizzo
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Anthony Rizzo was another breakout first baseman in the National League in 2014. He has a chance to really shine for what is now a very good Chicago Cubs team.

5. Yasiel Puig

Puig
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5. Yasiel Puig

Puig
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Yasiel Puig could really become one of the best players in baseball if he gets his head straight. With the loss of Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp, there will be more pressure on Puig to perform. He could get MVP votes if he plays up to his potential.

4. Buster Posey

Posey
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4. Buster Posey

Posey
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If Buster Posey can bring the Giants back to the playoffs after the losses they've suffered this offseason, he deserves to win MVP. He is by far the biggest threat in the lineup, with far less help. Posey looks to continue his role as one of the best catchers in baseball.

3. Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt
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3. Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt
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Paul Goldschmidt had a real chance to win the MVP last season until he was injured, so he will be looking to redeem himself in 2015. The only thing that will hold him back is if the Diamondbacks are unable to compete.

2. Giancarlo Stanton

Stanton
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2. Giancarlo Stanton

Stanton
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Giancarlo Stanton is the highest paid player in baseball after signing a contract worth north of $ 300 million. If he is somehow able to live up to said contract, then he will certainly be in the conversation for MVP.

1. Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen
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1. Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen
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Andrew McCutchen is a candidate for the trophy every single year. He is the best bargain in baseball. He is also one of the best players in the game. He carries the Pittsburgh Pirates to the playoffs every year, and if he does it again in 2015, it will be hard to ignore him for the NL MVP award.

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