Cardinals: Nolan Arenado is on pace to win National League MVP

The St. Louis Cardinals have played eight of their 10 scheduled games up to this point in the season. With a 5-3 record, they are looking solid in the early stages of the year. The pitching staff is limiting the opposition to 3.6 runs per game, and the lineup is knocking in over five runs per game.

Overall, the Cards have been one of the best teams in baseball. Their recent split in a four-game series with the NL Central-favorite Brewers is bound to increase St. Louis’ playoff odds as we approach the later portions of the season.

For now, one thing is for sure: Nolan Arenado is going for NL MVP this season. Arenado is on a tear to start the season. In his eight games played, Arenado leads the team in hits, runs scored, doubles, home runs, RBIs, total bases, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. On top of this, he ranks second in walks and has the fewest strikeouts among hitters who have appeared in all eight contests for the Redbirds.

To say that he is starting the year on fire would be an understatement. Hitting in the fourth spot in every game so far, Arenado has smacked a hit in all eight games to start the season. While an off day would likely be heading his way, the Cards have been fortunate to have two games rained out, which have given them unconventional off days.

These unexpected days off have kept Arenado rested and in the lineup consistently. Once it comes time to make up the rained-out games, the Cardinals are going to have a large string of games in the middle of the season, which will be the perfect time to rest their MVP-favorite on a more regular basis.

Until that time comes, Arenado should continue cranking along for the time being. While this hot streak is bound to slow down at some point, enjoy the ride while it lasts. When a player is this hot for this long, every at-bat becomes must-watch television. Arenado may be in store for an all-time great season.