6 Darkhorse MVP Candidates After the First Half
Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs
Current Odds: 100-1
There's no way around it -- with a 43-45 record, the Chicago Cubs are the biggest disappointment thus far in 2017. After winning 103 games last year and breaking their 108-year championship curse, this organization appeared primed to be baseball's next dynasty with all the young talent they possess.
That's not how baseball goes all the time, though.
All eyes are on how third baseman Kris Bryant can get this club going, but it's actually first baseman Anthony Rizzo who is one of the main leaders of this club. While Bryant took home the NL MVP in 2016, Rizzo wasn't far behind him -- he placed fourth while taking home a Silver Slugger award himself.
He had his ups and downs throughout the first half, but his production looks similar to what he did last year. The below table compares his OPS, ISO, wOBA, wRC+, and fWAR so far this year to what he did last year overall.
| Year | PA | OPS | ISO | wOBA | wRC+ | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 676 | .928 | .252 | .391 | 145 | 5.2 |
| 2017 | 386 | .894 | .249 | .376 | 132 | 2.5 |
What's even more encouraging is the fact that he's arrived at these numbers despite a tough month of May that included him posting a 94 wRC+. He's also improved his plate discipline by posting a 14.1% walk rate and a 11.0% strikeout rate, and his current 39.1% hard-hit rate in July (along with an 8.7% soft-hit rate) is on track to being his best month so far this season.
If the Cubs are going to make a run, Bryant will be a big part of it, but Rizzo will more likely be the driving force -- especially if he hits leadoff more often.
