“It's going to be a hell of a race between those two” - Former MLB manager believes Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper could be top candidates for NL MVP
Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper have been essential to their teams' success this season. Both clubs are leading their respective divisions and are in contention to fight for a World Series trophy.
Through 110 games, Ohtani has hit .309/.397/.631 with 34 home runs and 81 runs batted in. Harper has hit .276/.369/.543 with 25 home runs and 69 runs batted in through 97 games.
The two could certainly be fighting to hoist the National League MVP Award when the season ends. Former Philadelphia Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. went on a recent episode of Foul Territory TV to discuss the potential tight race.
"It's going to be a hell of a race between those two, I think. I really think it's going to come down to those two guys as far as the MVP candidacy is concerned," said Amaro Jr.
Amaro added that he has been blown away by what Harper has done throughout his career. He has far exceeded expectations and does not look to be slowing down anytime soon.
"He is incredibly vital to this ballclub. He's one of the best players of our era. He's going to be a Hall of Famer," said Amaro.
Given his ties to Philadelphia, Amaro cannot help but talk up Harper. While he has some bias, there is no denying that Harper is one of the best players across the league.
Bryce Harper has some work to do to catch Shohei Ohtani in the MVP race
If Bryce Harper wants to hoist a third NL MVP trophy, he has some work to do. According to DraftKings, Shohei Ohtani is the clear favorite to win the award and is starting to stretch out his lead.
DraftKings currently has Ohtani's odds to win NL MVP listed at -1400, while Harper sits with +1100 odds. Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Ketel Marte comes in at third with +1300 odds.
Bryce Harper must keep his head down and hope Shohei Ohtani hits a rough patch. Ohtani leads the National League in runs, home runs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS, OPS+, and total bases.
Harper does have time as there are still plenty of games left to be played before heading to the postseason. If he and the Phillies can continue to keep their foot on the gas pedal, who knows what could happen?