Chicago Cubs: Is there a legitimate MVP candidate on this team?

Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Coghlan – .248/.334/.416, .750 OPS, 18 2B, 11 HR, 25 RBI

Coghlan? Clearly I’ve lost my mind if I’ve put a guy on this list batting .248. NOT so fast my friend. Last season, Coghlan had a bounceback season for the Cubs, earning the starting spot in left field. As things started off poorly, many fans began calling for the Cubs to get a “power bat” in left.

In his last 52 games, Coghlan has batted .277 with four home runs and 12 RBIs to go along with 23 walks. But that’s not what makes him an MVP candidate for the Cubs. He’s appeared in 106 games this year. He’s played LF, RF, 3B, 2B and even two games at 1B. Fielding percentage combined? 1.000 to go along with eight outfield assists. And in theory, if he was to appear in every game the rest of the way, that’s 158 games. Versatile and durable. Almost Ben Zobrist like. Except Zobrist isn’t fielding 1.000.

This is where the difference between most valuable and most outstanding needs a better definition. If the Cubs can finish this march and make the postseason, Coghlan will be one of the main reasons why they do so.

Next: Move over Clayton and Madison..