NL MVP Power Rankings: Freddie Freeman rising to the top

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. On Thursday, we're ranking the early favorites for the 2018 NL Most Valuable Player.

5. Lorenzo Cain, Brewers

Lorenzo Cain is quietly becoming one of the winter's best free-agent pickups thanks to stellar two-way play for the first-place Brewers. Offensively, the 32-year-old is raking and getting on base at a career-best clip - Cain's 14.7 percent walk rate is nearly double his previous high - and he's also stolen 11 bases. With the glove he's been even better, leading all NL center fielders with 5.0 defensive WAR and eight runs saved.

4. Ozzie Albies, Braves

If Freddie Freeman is the engine that powers the Atlanta Braves, then Ozzie Albies is the ignition. Albies, the latest big-league sensation from Curacao, is leading the NL in total bases and runs scored, and sitting tied for second in home runs. His rise up these rankings will likely continue as the season rolls along.

3. Nolan Arenado, Rockies

Nolan Arenado is thriving at Coors Field as usual, and his excellent all-around play has helped keep the Rockies in first place atop the NL West. He also ranks among the top five in multiple offensive categories, including on-base percentage and slugging, and is walking at a career-high rate.

2. Bryce Harper, Nationals

If we were selecting the player most valuable to his team in these rankings, then Bryce Harper may have been No. 1 for a second straight month. Despite a low batting average, Harper remains the NL's leader in home runs with 18 and walks with 46 (he also clubbed 18 homers by the end of May during his MVP season in 2015). Sure, having a rotation that features Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg helps, but without Harper's steady bat the Nationals wouldn't be leading the NL East.

1. Freddie Freeman, Braves

On a surprising team full of potential MVP candidates from Albies to Nick Markakis, it's Freeman, the 28-year-old longtime face of the Braves, who's the best of them all. He's a bit behind the pack in home runs, but Freeman leads the NL in on-base percentage and is among the top-10 in runs, hits, walks, and RBIs. He's also increased his walk rate from one year ago while decreasing his strikeout rate. Freeman has often been stuck behind other All-Star first basemen in the NL hierarchy, but this may finally be his year to separate himself.

Honorable Mentions: Brandon Belt (Giants), Kris Bryant (Cubs), Odubel Herrera (Phillies)

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)