What has really drawn me to Christian Yelich has been his consistency throughout the year. He is a true 5-tool player (Contact, Power, Speed, Defense, Arm) who is at least above average in each of these categories. This is what makes him a pleasure to watch every day. Yelich has played in 134 out of the Brewers 150 games thus far this year. This includes him being out for a week-2 week stretch during the middle of the year with an injury. Take away that stretch and Yelich has essentially played every day during the grueling 162 game season of Major League Baseball. Taking that into account makes it that more amazing that he is able to affect the game in 5 different ways day in and day out.
Now I understand Javy Baez is also probably as close or even more of a 5-tool player than Christian Yelich and Javy is very fun to watch but I think there are some specific numbers that favor Yelich over Baez for the NL MVP. Here are a couple important statistics that lean towards Yelich. The first is Yelich OBP (On-base percentage) is .381 compared to Baez .328. Next is their OPS, (on-base plus slugging percentage) Yelich- .937 and Baez- .891. These two values I believe show you the true offensive value of Yelich. He is getting on base nearly 60 points higher than Baez which I believe contributes to him being a more complete all around hitter as he hits for a high average and takes his walks and as his OPS states he also hits his fair share of extra base hits. Their stolen base totals are similar as Yelich is at 19 and Baez at 21. Offensively speaking I believe the edge has to go to Yelich as he just proved by reaching base 30 games in a row, he does not take a game off and gets on base more than Baez by limiting his strikeouts. Baez has 20 more strikeouts than Yelich this year.
Defensively is where I believe the strongest case for Baez can be made as he is one of the most instinctual defenders I have ever seen at various positions. Baez could truly be a gold glove winner at 3 different positions on the infield any year. While Christian Yelich could be a gold glove winner at 2 different outfield positions, I have to give the natural defensive ability edge to Baez.
All that being said, the consistency and what he has meant to his team, I believe Christian Yelich is the NL MVP this season. You also have to take into account the tear he has been on in the 2nd half of the season as he has hit 20 home runs since the All-Star break, carrying the Brewers to a playoff berth. While they both have put up legit splits and numbers (Yelich- .314/31/89, Baez- .294/32/103) Christian Yelich is currently at bat to become the 3rd player ever to hit for the cycle twice in a season.
I will leave you with this article I read at the beginning of the year. I guess Ryan Braun did tell the truth for once when he said at Spring Training, Yelich has what it takes to become an MVP.
AND SURE ENOUGH YELICH GETS HIS 2ND CYCLE OF THE SEASON! I BELIEVE THE MVP CASE IS CLOSED!
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