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

2) Francisco Lindor will win the MVP because he does what the other candidates don’t

A designated hitter has never won the MVP before. If we’re going to slide Marte out of the picture temporarily, this means Lindor is up against Ohtani and to a lesser extent, Marcell Ozuna. Both are DHs. Surely, Ozuna isn’t going to be the one to make history. Ohtani might.

There is a lot to be said about playing Gold Glove caliber defense while putting together the kind of year Lindor has offensively. Lindor has started in all but one game for the Mets this season. On May 2 against the Chicago Cubs, he came off the bench and knocked a pair of doubles while driving in 4 runs. He exited the game early the day prior with flu-like symptoms. This was a turning point of the year for Lindor prior to his movement to the leadoff spot only weeks later.

Appearing in all 130 games this season and doing so defensively is a remarkable feat. Even Ohtani has missed games despite never taking the field. Ozuna hasn’t missed time but again, he plays half a game.

If Ohtani is able to return to form as a pitcher, there won’t be too many other chances for NL players to take the MVP. Now is the time. Ohtani won the award before because he did something no one else does. In some ways, Lindor is doing that right now.