By Jordyn Geller
The first month of baseball has officially ended and we have already seen some stellar performances, so I figured why not make a list of my extremely early MVP candidates.
1.Fransico Lindor (SS, NYM)
Lindor is coming off one of the worst seasons he has had in a long time in the 2021 season, after signing a 10-year mega-contract with the Mets last season. However, in just the first Lindor is nothing short of great on the defensive side having two golden gloves, but last season his at-bats we a bit of a disappointment to many. While we are only a month into the season he has turned his at-bats around currently having 4 home runs, 14 RBIs, and a .841 OPS. It's still early but I definitely would keep him in the to-watch category as the season goes on.
2. Juan Soto (RF, WSH)
Soto has been involved in MVP talks for a while now and is arguably one of the best hitters in baseball. So far this season he has had 4 home runs, 5 RBIs, and a .867 OPS. While the Nationals will not win the NL East if Soto can do enough on the offensive side to secure them a wild card spot in the playoffs, then he will very much be at the top of many lists when voting comes around.
3. Freddie Freeman (1B, LAD)
Freeman coming off of winning the World Series with his long-time team the Braves, then signed by the Dodgers is another favorite for the MVP award. So far this season he has 3 home runs, 10 RBIs, and a .868 OPS he is only expected to get better as the season goes on. Plus, him being on one of the best teams in the league probably won't hurt when it comes to the MVP voting as his numbers support it being a stellar athlete on a power team such as the Dodgers would definitely qualify him to be an MVP.
4. Matt Olson (1B, ATL)
Having been a blockbuster signing in the off-season signing of $168 million for eight years he has shown he is worth the money and currently has 3 home runs, 10 RBIs, and a .909 OPS. Olson has had MVP caliber seasons in the past but being on a non-competitive Oakland team but have been what held him back. Now playing for the defending champ Braves he might have a shot at the MVP award.
5.Nolan Arenado (3B, STL)
Arenado has already received the NL Player of the Month award for April, with 6 home runs, 18 RBIs, and a 1.108 OPS it's no shock why. Having won the MVP award in 2018 with the Rockies and then being traded to St. Louis shortly after his first season there was not great but he appears to be back to the Arenado that will all know on top of him playing stellar defense it would be no shock if toward the end of the season he is the leader in MVP talks.
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