3 reasons Mets star Francisco Lindor will win the NL MVP bigger than any statistic

Some MVP qualities are bigger than numbers.

New York Mets v San Diego Padres
New York Mets v San Diego Padres | Denis Poroy/GettyImages
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A big fat grand slam on a two-home run night gave Francisco Lindor one of those signature late-season games that can help propel a player into a deeper MVP conversation. Much of the discussion around the New York Mets of late has had to do with the performance of the star shortstop. He isn’t having the kind of year as Aaron Judge or Bobby Witt Jr. over in the American League. Compared to his peers in the National League, Lindor is having one of the best seasons imaginable.

The MVP is a curious thing because it is so incredibly subjective. It’s not as simple as awarding it to the guy with the highest fWAR, everyone’s favorite statistic to bestow the honor upon Lindor already.

The Most Valuable Player Award goes to the guy the voters feel deserves it. There is no specific criteria. Value is measured differently from voter to voter. What could lead to Lindor winning the first MVP in Mets history and what could get in the way?

1) Francisco Lindor will win the MVP for the sake of newness

The stiffest competition Lindor has at the moment is Shohei Ohtani. The injury to Ketel Marte might seal his fate as an outsider to the most prestigious award. Matching Lindor offensively and putting up some incredible numbers on defense as well, missing time this late in the year could come back to bite Marte—unless of course he returns and helps carry the Arizona Diamondbacks to the playoffs.

With Ohtani, there could be a case of “been there, done that.” The voters for these awards rotate with writers having a chance to vote for different awards each year. Those voting for the National League MVP aren’t getting their first crack at honoring Ohtani. Many have likely been able to hand him the trophy in the past.

Everyone prefers something different (as long as it doesn't hurt their bottom line) and while the thought of a dynasty with the MVP award is intriguing, seeing someone else take the award is fascinating as well. People do like newness and what’s more new than Lindor, a Mets player, winning the MVP?

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