MLB Playoffs 2017: Choosing an MVP for every team

Arizona Diamondbacks: Paul Goldschmidt

Paul Goldschmidt is the easy pick for the Diamondbacks’ regular season MVP. The 29-year-old first baseman hit 36 home runs and drove in 120 runs for the second time in his career. In addition to that, Goldschmidt slashed .297/.404/.563, upping his slugging percentage 74 points from 2016.

The last time Goldschmidt put up 36 home runs and at least 120 RBI was in 2013 when he finished second in the MVP voting. That season, Goldschmidt led the league with a .551 slugging percentage and .952 OPS, numbers he bested in 2017. Along with that, Goldschmidt scored 14 more runs this season compared to 2013 and stole three more bases.

With his impressive stats this season, Goldschmidt led the Diamondbacks in every major offensive category, batting average, home runs, RBI, OBP and hits.

In a very small sample size, Goldschmidt has tore up the postseason. Six years ago, in 2011, Goldschmidt played in his first and only playoff series. That series was an NLDS match-up against the Brewers. In four games (16 at-bats), Goldschmidt clubbed two home runs and recorded six RBI. Along with that, he slashed .438/.526/.813. The Diamondbacks hope Goldschmidt can be that successful again when they match up against the Rockies in the NL Wild Card Game.

Some other solid seasons for Diamondbacks’ players include Jake Lamb (30 home runs, 105 RBI), J.D. Martinez (29 home runs, 65 RBI) and Robbie Ray (15-5, 2.89 ERA).