Among the reasons Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, who notably doesn’t play in the field, can be considered an MVP candidate is because the award doesn’t reward defensive prowess.
The award annually acknowledges players in each league who have had outstanding offensive seasons. Such a player can be mediocre defensively and still win the award—or, in the case of Ortiz, not play defense at all. Even with new statistical measures for defense, no player can be a defensive stalwart and an average hitter and receive consideration for MVP.
The following candidates have had outstanding offensive seasons. Who has the best shot at MVP in 2016?