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Chicago Cubs: Is there a legitimate MVP candidate on this team?
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Rizzo – .295/.402/.534, .936 OPS, 21 HR, 63 RBI, 15 SB
Last year Rizzo finished 10th in voting for the NL MVP. The numbers are trending up and he should finish at or above last year’s totals. After recently celebrating his 26th birthday, he’s no longer part of the 25 and under group–so now he’s the “veteran” leader. It seems to be a role he’s well suited for.
After a rough stretch that saw Rizzo struggle to make contact as his average dipped to .279, it’s no coincidence that as Rizzo goes, the Cubs go. In the last 10 games, the Cubs are 9-1. Rizzo has slashed .457/.500/.886 with a 1.386 OPS. Add to that three home runs and 10 runs batted in and it’s no surprise the Cubs are on the role they are.
The Cubs signed Rizzo early, banking on him to become THIS exact type of player. Well played Theo, well played.
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