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MLB is entering the final few weeks of the regular season.
Most teams are still fighting for a playoff spot, but some major awards are still up for grabs.
The NL MVP race is coming down to Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Both players are more than deserving of the award but only one can win.
Acuna has been the favorite to win the award since the first month of the season.
But, Betts has stormed back into contention and finds himself in a position to possibly win his second MVP award.
Buster Olney broke down the battle between both stars and they are neck and neck.
With three weeks to play:
Ronald Acuna Jr.
Adjusted OPS+ 164, 129 runs, 35 HR, 193 hits, 75 walks, 64 steals, 7.2 fWAR
Mookie Betts
Adjusted OPS+ 171, 118 runs, 38 HR, 162 hits, 83 walks, 11 SB, 7.8 fWAR
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) September 11, 2023
Depending on what statistic you use, a case can be made for either player.
Acuna is seeking to win the first MVP award of his career.
While Betts has one with the Red Sox, he could be one of the few players to win the MVP in both leagues.
Acuna plays on the best team in baseball in Atlanta.
But, the Dodgers are not too far behind as they seemed destined for the second seed in the NL playoffs.
While Betts is the better defensive player, Acuna has had a historic offensive season.
The 25-year-old became the first player to ever have 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a season.
Acuna even has a shot at a 40/70 season which we may never see again.
Both players are having elite seasons, yet only one can walk away with the NL MVP.
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