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3. Brendan Donovan will finish top-20 in MVP voting
Here is me taking a big swing here predictions-wise. Brendan Donovan has been really good over the last month and a half of baseball, and if he continues that into the second half, he has to be considered one of the best players in the National League.
Brendan Donovan NL ranks since 5/23:
— Cardinals Stats And Facts (@STL_Stats_Facts) July 6, 2023
.341 AVG: 2nd
.438 OBP: 2nd
167 wRC+: 2nd
1.82 WPA: 2nd
11.1 K%: 4th
.958 OPS: 8th
1.7 fWAR: 9th
No matter what direction this team goes, we keep our boy Donnie at all costs. pic.twitter.com/dC1J7vgSw9
No, Donovan isn't a superstar, but he's playing like the best possible version of a guy who just misses being a part of that conversation. Look at how Donovan has heated up as the months have gone on.
Months | Brendan Donovan's production |
|---|---|
April | .260/.318/.338 (.656 OPS), 1 HR, 4 RBI |
May | .228/.358/.354 (.712 OPS), 3 HR, 7 RBI |
June | .307/.402/.443 (.845 OPS), 3 HR, 11 RBI |
July | .400/.423/.520 (.943 OPS), 1 HR, 3 RBI |
There's been a noticeable uptick in production each month from Donovan, and even if his numbers "regress" back more toward what they were in June, he's an extremely valuable player. How many guys can have an .845-.943 OPS while playing six different positions throughout a season?
There's a reason why the Cardinals want to hold onto Donovan, and why the rest of baseball really wants him. I think an MVP voter or two will catch onto that after a strong second half from Donnie.