Every season in Major League Baseball, there seem to be new stars that emerge from each team, and every season has a different team MVP. (Unless it’s the Angels, then it’s ALWAYS Mike Trout.) So with that in mind, we present you with the NL Central team’s MVP for the shortened 2020 season. Check out our previous predictions for the team MVPs in the AL West, NL West, and AL Central.
Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez
Dynamic talents in MLB and the conversation will undoubtedly be steered in the direction of Javier Baez. The master of the no-look tag brings flair and style all his own. Plus add in now a more controlled chaotic frenzy at the plate, and you have the makings of an MVP candidate. And not just the Cubs’ team MVP but the MVP in all of the National League. Javy Baez is the kind of talent that makes you smile, watching from home as he plays the game. And it’s that passion and fire that will propel Javy as the Cubs’ team MVP in 2020.
St. Louis Cardinals: Yadier Molina
Yadier Molina is a unique and powerful creature when it comes to baseball. The backstop has some of the best hands in the game. And even as he ages, Yadi still shuts down the running game from opposing teams and helps elevate his pitchers to their utmost potential. Yadier may be getting older and not possess the bat he had a few seasons ago. However, Yadi is the guy that you want behind the plate when the games matter most. Yadier Molina will be the St. Louis Cardinals team MVP in 2020.
Milwaukee Brewers: Christian Yelich
Over the past few seasons, Christian Yelich has indeed come into his own as a ballplayer. And with his maturity on the field, he’s also blossomed into a perennial MVP candidate. And although in a shortened season anything can happen, the type of talent Yelich has should carry him towards another MVP type season.
Cincinnati Reds: Michael Lorenzen
In a shortened season, versatility will be critical for success. And there are few players in MLB as adaptable as Michael Lorenzen. The relief pitcher is capable of starting a game as an “opener” or coming in as a pinch hitter or even play the outfield. Such abilities give the Reds options on how to deploy Lorenzen. And given the versatility, Lorenzen will likely be the MVP for Cincinnati in 2020.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Josh Bell
The Pittsburgh Pirates may not compete in 2020. Had a regular campaign taken place, Pittsburgh would likely challenge for the number one pick in the 2021 draft. But with a shortened season, they are still not likely to compete for a World Series championship. But one player will unquestionably be a standout for team MVP, and that’s Josh Bell. The switch-hitting first baseman is another underrated star in MLB. And will a quiet presence and explosive power a shortened season should highlight Josh Bell. So while the Pirates may be on a sinking ship, there will be one Pirate that survives as team MVP.
