Cincinnati Reds’ first baseman Joey Votto continues MVP chase

While the team hasn’t been winning much in the second half, Joey Votto has been making a run at a second MVP.

The Cincinnati Reds came out of the All-Star break sluggish and short on pitching.  Their offense was slow overall, but not throughout.  First baseman Joey Votto has been hot the entire second half.

The Reds are 10-20 since the break.  They have the worst ERA in baseball at 5.82.  They have also already allowed 48 home runs in the second half, good for most in the National League.

While those numbers are not great, Votto’s numbers are outstanding.  Since the All-Star break, Votto’s OBP is .500.  Yes, every other plate appearance the best first baseman in the NL is getting on-base.

Los Angeles Angels’ center fielder Mike Trout is second at .483 with Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies third at .475.  Those are elite numbers.

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This is even more impressive, since Votto is “only” batting .309 in the second half.  His 33 walks are almost 150% of the next highest person in the majors.  Since the break, the second highest total is 24 for Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.

Votto also has an impressively low number of strikeouts at 17.  He may be sacrificing a little bit of power in the second half as he only has five home runs.  Still, he has the same number of runs scored, 17, as strikeouts in the second half.

With hot second half, how good are the chances that Joey Votto will win the NL MVP for the Cincinnati Reds?

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Votto’s primary competition is from Blackmon.  Not only does Blackmon have the offensive statistics, but his team appears set to make the playoffs.  Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals could also steal votes as the best player on the perceived best team in the NL.

Blackmon leads the NL in runs, hits, and triples, while ranking second in at-bats and batting average.  He also plays a plus defensive center field.  Blackmon has only missed two games this season.

Votto, meanwhile, leads the NL in walks, OBP, and OPS, while ranking third in home runs.  Votto’s 59 strikeouts qualifies him for 95th, meaning 94 players in the NL have more strikeouts.  There is no one in the top 29 of home run hitters in the NL with fewer strikeouts.

Votto has also played every game this season.  He has committed the fewest errors among first basemen in the NL who have played at least 100 games.  He also leads NL first basemen in assists.

Next: The Reds offense is doing better in August

Votto likely needs to win the home run title and stay in first in OBP in order to win the MVP award.  This shouldn’t take away from the Reds’ fans enjoying watching him play.  Votto is a once in a lifetime talent.