NL MVP Futures: Ronald Acuna Jr a Massive Favorite

The biggest honor in Major League Baseball other than of course winning a World Series is being named the best player in your league. After taking a look at the AL MVP race last week, it’s a perfect time to dive into the NL MVP futures, which does appear to be a one-man race at the moment. Ronald Acuna Jr of the Atlanta Braves is having a monster campaign and remains a massive favorite to take home his first very MVP award. Below, we’ll discuss a few players who could be in the mix, headlined by the three-time All-Star.

Ronald Acuna Jr

One of the most electric players in the sport, Acuna Jr has accomplished a lot in the Majors, including making three All-Star appearances, winning Rookie of the Year, and being named a Silver Slugger twice. While MVP has yet to be added to his trophy case, it looks like it’ll be in the cards in 2023. The Venezuelan is currently hitting .325 with 15 home runs and 45 RBI and 30 stolen bases. In fact, he’s the first player in MLB history to reach 15 bombs and 30 swiped bags in his first 70 games of a campaign. That statistic just shows how special Acuna Jr really is, a true five-tool player who can do it all on the diamond. He’s currently a -155 favorite at betrivers.

Freddie Freeman

Freeman has been the epitome of consistency throughout his career. The veteran is having another solid year for the Dodgers, leading the charge with a .324 average in 72 games. He’s slugged 15 homers and driven in 46 while also slugging .554 and posting an OPS of .958. Freeman has already won MVP once back in 2020, but it’s important to note that was the pandemic-shortened campaign, playing just 60 contests. The first basemen will need to really increase those power numbers if he’s going to give Acuna Jr a run for his money, a player who can do a lot more on the field in various areas.

Corbin Carroll

It’s honestly wild that Corbin Carroll is even in this conversation. Although he’s third in the MVP running at most MLB betting sites, we have to remember Carroll is just 22 years old and only in his first full MLB season. The former first-round pick is slashing .304 with 16 home runs and 39 RBI, playing an integral part in the Diamondbacks sitting in first place in the jam-packed National League West. Carroll also leads the NL in slugging and OPS. It’s unlikely he actually wins MVP, but Carroll is undoubtedly set to be NL Rookie of the Year at the very least.

Mookie Betts

It’s no surprise to see Betts’ name in this conversation, having taken home MVP honors in 2018 with the Boston Red Sox. Betts is one of the most polarizing stars in the show and continues to put up impressive numbers. But, Betts isn’t as consistent in 2023 as in past years, batting .264 in 69 games with 17 bombs and 43 RBI. While those are still respectable, it’s not going to cut it for winning a second MVP when Acuna Jr is performing at such an elite level.