Braves Close in on Division Title While Ronald Acuna, Jr. and Matt Olson Vie for NL MVP

Atlanta Braves 1st baseman Matt Olson tied a club record for home runs when he hit his 51st in Atlanta’s 7-6 10 inning victory at Philadelphia on September 12th. The Braves have already clinched a post season berth, and will win the N.L. East title with a win over the Phillies on September 13th.

With the possible exception of the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts, It’s pretty likely that either Olson or his teammate Ronald Acuna, Jr. will win the National League MVP Award. As of conclusion of play on September 12th, Olson leads the N.L. in home runs (51) and RBIs (128). Acuna Jr. is 6th in homers with 37, and 8th in RBIs with 97. Olson is 2nd in OPS at 1.006, and Acuna Jr. is 3rd at 1.001. Olson leads the league in slugging percentage at .919 and Acuna Jr. is 3rd at .586. Acuna Jr. leads the league in total bases (345) with Olson right behind him at 339. Acuna Jr. also has a major league best 65 stolen bases (Olson, not fleet of foot, has one). Acuna Jr. has a league leading 132 runs scored, while Olson is 4th at 116.

Betts has also put up some big numbers (.311 batting average, 39 homers, 103 RBIs, a league leading 1.018 OPS, .607 slugging percentage, 120 runs scored, 320 total bases). It could be argued that the MVP should be a three way tie this season, but since that won’t happen we’re guessing it will be either Olson or Acuna Jr.