NL MVP Power Rankings: Freeman leads way, but Mad Max is on furious pace

At the end of each month, theScore's MLB editors will break down the leading candidates for the MVP and Cy Young Awards in the American and National Leagues. Today, we're ranking the early favorites for the 2018 NL MVP.

5. Brandon Belt, 1B, Giants

Despite playing in the pitcher-friendly AT&T Park and boasting a similar offensive lineup to the one that finished as baseball's worst last season, the Giants haven't been completely anemic at the plate in 2018. Much of that is due to first baseman Brandon Belt, who's put together a stellar campaign thus far. After struggling with concussions in the past, the 30-year-old leads his team in home runs, on-base percentage, and OPS among qualified players. One wonders what his numbers might look like if he hadn't missed two weeks because of an appendectomy.

4. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks

While posting horrendous numbers in May (.144/.252/.278, 35 strikeouts in 26 games), Paul Goldschmidt looked like anything but an MVP candidate. Oh, how times have changed. The 30-year-old has turned things around in June, posting a ridiculous .380/.477/.804 slash line with more hits (35) than any other player in baseball. And Goldschmidt's increased production has led to success for the Diamondbacks, who've won 18 of their last 25 and lead the NL West division by 2 1/2 games.

3. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies

In each of the past three seasons, Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado hasn't just been an All-Star, a Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glover - he's also finished in the top eight in MVP voting each year. For the most part, it's been more of the same in 2018, as the 27-year-old owns a .580 slugging percentage and .976 OPS, both tops in the NL among qualified hitters. Meanwhile, he leads the Rockies in hits (87), homers (18), walks (42), and average (.310). Arenado has not been himself with the glove - this is his worst season ever in terms of defensive runs saved - but there should be no doubt he'll get back to his usual outstanding defensive metrics as he bids for his first career MVP Award.

2. Max Scherzer, SP, Nationals

In the past 20 years, only two pitchers - Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw - have taken home an MVP Award, but Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer might join the club. Mad Max is somehow in the midst of a career year even after two straight Cy Young campaigns. He's already won 10 games, has tossed more innings than any other pitcher (114 2/3), and has struck out a career-high 13 batters per nine innings. Scherzer has also been incredibly consistent, as he's allowed more than two runs just once in 17 starts. When a player is this good all the time, it's hard not to consider him an MVP candidate, pitcher or not.

1. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves

Not since Chipper Jones have the Braves featured a clear-cut favorite to be named MVP. But Freddie Freeman has become that guy and tops our list on the strength of a career-high 161 OPS+ and a third consecutive season above a .300/.400/500 slash line. He's also hovering around career-best marks in both strikeout and walk rate, and has significantly improved his play in the field compared to last year. Oh, and Atlanta is winning, which has proven to be a key factor in MVP races. All of that means the slugger is in pole position just before the halfway point of the season.

Honorable mention: OF Nick Markakis (Braves), OF Brandon Nimmo (Mets), 3B Eugenio Suarez (Reds)

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)