Atlanta’s slugger Justin Upton has recently been a key contributor for the Braves as they continue their hunt for a playoff spot. A couple of weeks ago when we had conversations of who should win the NL MVP award this season Upton wasn’t even mentioned (CLICK HERE). The Braves were going through a terrible stretch at that time, a stretch that included an eight game losing streak and a record of 3-12 during a fifteen game span, but now everything is different for Upton and the Braves.
The Braves are still very alive and Justin Upton has been a main reason why Atlanta is still contending. The younger Upton brother has been the most consistent hitter of his team after the all star break, a virtue that he had lacked in his stint with the Braves.
Looking back to year 2011, the year that Upton finished fourth in the NL MVP voting while with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Justin finished the season with a .289 batting average, 31 home runs, and 88 RBI’s. He also added 21 stolen bases and finished the season with a 6.1 WAR, both career high’s.
Moving forward to this season, Upton currently own’s a .288 batting average with 26 home runs and 91 RBI’s. He already has a career high in RBI’s with a month of baseball left to play. He is also trying to chase down his career high in home runs, which are the 31 home runs he hit in 2011.
Upton currently is tied for 2nd in the NL lead for RBI’s behind Giancarlo Stanton, tied for 3rd in home runs behind Stanton and Anthony Rizzo, 5th in OPS, and 4th in slugging percentage. Giancarlo Stanton is the current leader in the NL for home runs, RBI’s, OPS, and slugging percentage, but the Marlins are running out of time and appear that they are not getting closer to the possibility of a playoff berth, that’s were Justin Upton could have an advantage.
The younger of the Upton brothers also has a WAR of 4.0, his second best behind the 6.1 WAR he posted in 2011. The numbers show that Upton might be having his second best season of his career, but he still has a month left to play in the regular season and could make it a career year.
A key of factors have to go Upton’s way in order for him to win the award, but if he continue the hot streak he is on and helps the Atlanta Braves make the playoffs, look for him to get plenty of consideration to win the NL MVP award.
Photo Credit: TalkingChop.com
