Shohei Ohtani or Francisco Lindor for MVP? This question has sparked considerable debate in the baseball community as the season heads into its final stretch.
Currently, the Los Angeles Dodgers sit atop the majors with the most wins, while the Philadelphia Phillies have maintained a solid division lead since May. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles have been locked in a fierce battle for supremacy in the competitive American League East. However, Hall of Famer John Smoltz offered a fresh perspective on who could be considered the best player in the league.
Kavner: If you were starting a franchise right now from scratch, what player would you choose to build around?
Smoltz: Excluding the incredible Shohei Ohtani, the conversation shifts towards Bobby Witt Jr. The situation surrounding Ronald Acuña Jr. has evolved, especially after two knee surgeries. If he were fully healthy, he would undoubtedly be a top choice for many teams due to his exceptional skills. Aaron Judge also enters the conversation, but if you’re building a franchise, you want a player who can contribute for the next 15 to 17 years. Therefore, Bobby Witt Jr.’s current trajectory makes him a compelling option.
Kavner: With Ohtani fast approaching a historic 50/50 campaign, do you think Francisco Lindor still has a chance to pass him for NL MVP with a big September?
Smoltz: This is where the narrative becomes crucial. If Lindor can propel the Mets into the postseason, especially after their rocky start, it would significantly bolster his MVP case. Mets fans have long awaited the performance they expected from him when he signed that massive contract, and this year, he seems to be delivering. However, it will be a tall order to surpass Ohtani, who continues to set unprecedented records as a designated hitter. A remarkable September would be necessary for Lindor or anyone else to challenge Ohtani’s dominance.
How much do you think a player’s value to his respective team — like in the case of Lindor for the Mets and Witt for the Royals — should be a factor when people are considering these MVP votes?
Smoltz: Player value should definitely factor into the MVP conversation, serving as a potential tiebreaker. The impact of Ohtani’s absence on the Dodgers would be less severe than the potential fallout from Lindor’s absence on the Mets. The same logic applies to players like Marcell Ozuna for the Atlanta Braves, who plays a pivotal role in their playoff aspirations. While team success shouldn’t overshadow individual achievements, it can enhance a player’s MVP candidacy.
The definition of MVP has evolved over the years, and while it should fundamentally represent the best individual performance in the league, a player’s contribution to their team’s success can serve as an important tiebreaker.
We’re finally starting to see some separation in the division races. With less than a month left, which division race are you most intrigued by?
Entering Tuesday, the Mets are only a half-game out and the Cubs are 3.5 out. Do you think the Braves still have what it takes to hold off the Mets and maybe even the Cubs there for the final wild-card spot?
Smoltz: The upcoming schedule for the Mets will be challenging, and they need to navigate it carefully. Every team has faced tough stretches, and Philadelphia has recently emerged from theirs. The Mets will play seven games against the Phillies, which could be pivotal for both teams. The Braves, meanwhile, find themselves in a position where they must root for unexpected outcomes, hoping the Phillies can gain momentum. However, the Braves must focus on their own games, especially with a formidable Rockies team coming to town.
We talked last week about how no team was trending toward 100 wins. When you look at the potential playoff field right now, who do you consider the best team in baseball?
Smoltz: The title of the best team in baseball has shifted frequently this season. However, I mentioned earlier in the year that the Houston Astros might be in the best position for a deep playoff run. Their rotation is improving, and they are getting healthier, which makes them a dark horse in the postseason race. While many fans might gravitate towards the Philadelphia Phillies or the Dodgers, the latter must resolve their starting rotation issues to remain competitive. If they cannot find a solution, they risk becoming vulnerable in the playoffs.
