Dodgers’ Top of the Order is Loaded with MVP Candidates

Chris Taylor

Yes, you’ve read correctly. This might come as a big surprise, but you can’t argue against the fact that Chris Taylor is putting up elite numbers which deserve recognition. His numbers are very similar to the next guy on this list.

He is batting over .300, has 17 home runs and 13 stolen bases in 99 games, has a .926 OPS (after Sunday’s win) and most importantly, has done all this while playing second base, third base, shortstop, center field and left field. Talk about value.

He has primarily settled into left for the Dodgers, a position of weakness for LA until his breakout. And he has played some good defense while making highlight-reel catches almost every other day. And he has filled the leadoff role perfectly for Los Angeles. CT3 is the table-setter they have been lacking

Probably the biggest surprise is his rank in WAR amongst National League players. According to FanGraphs, his 4.2 WAR places him eighth in the NL. To put that into perspective, according to FanGraphs, a WAR between 4-5 is considered All-Star quality and Taylor should comfortably push past five.

He won’t win the award, but he deserves to be brought up in the conversation.