Cardinals: Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado named MVP finalists

Cardinals sluggers Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado were named NL MVP finalists

The St. Louis Cardinals had two of their players named as National League Most Valuable Player finalists on Monday, as Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado were joined by Manny Machado in the running for this prestigious award.

Goldschmidt has long been considered the favorite for the NL MVP award after finishing the year with a .317/.404/.578 slash line along with 35 HR and 115 RBI on the season. Goldschmidt already won the NL Outstanding Player award via the Players Choice Awards, and should walk away with this award as well.

Many though Arenado would finish top 3 in the MVP voting as well after a monster season himself where he hit .293/.358/.533 with 30 HR and 103 RBI while winning his 10th straight Gold Glove  at third base and along with an NL leading 7.9 WAR. Both players were instrumental in helping St. Louis win the National League Central, and any other year, Arenado could have easily won the MVP award

It will be interesting to see who finishes second out of Arenado and Machado, as the Padres third baseman had a very similar season, slashing .298/.366/.531 with 32 HR and 102 RBI but missing out on the Gold Glove award to Arenado. If Goldschmidt and Arenado finish 1-2 in MVP voting, it will be the first time that has happened since 2000, when the feat was accomplished by Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent.

It is encouraging to see the teammates recognized by Major League Baseball for their amazing seasons, as both Arenado and Machado did not make the NL Outstanding player finalists. The Cardinals will need Goldschmidt and Arenado to come back with that same fire in 2023 if they are going to reach new heights as a club.