Dodgers' Mookie Betts celebrates hitting a home run in the first inning against the San Diego Padres on Monday at Dodger Stadium. (Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
While the Dodgers appear destined to finish behind the Atlanta Braves for the best record in the National League, another race between the two teams is still very much in doubt.
But it shouldn't be.
As the votes are cast in various places, the Dodgers and Braves are neck-and-neck for the NL Most Valuable Player award.
But the duel is already over.
The clear MVPs are the DodgersMookie Bettsand the BravesRonald Acuña Jr.
If they see value, it is Betts. If they are looking at versatility, it is Betts. If they are looking at baseball, that's Betts.
Acuña is far more flashy, becoming the first player in baseball history to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 60 bases, stacking the sexiest stat line in the league. But bigger bases and the new pickoff rule add an extra sparkle to that brilliance. As for other important stats, Betts dominates.
He leads the league in Wins Above Replacement, almost one win more than Acuña.
He leads the league in On-Base Plus Slugging Percentage, with Acuña third.
He has more home runs than Acuña; he has more RBIs than Acuña;
In fact, he has more RBIs than Acuña.
In fact, he is tied for the record for home runs (39) and leadoff spots (103), and is arguably having his best season ever. Acuña is the leadoff hitter in front of one of the most potent lineups in history, but he has not matched Betts in sudden impact.
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