Trevor Story is having a historic season. Between his velocious home runs, consistent play in the field and ability to swipe a bag, Story has been a must-see player on a nightly basis.
The 25-year old shortstop has 82 extra-base hits and over the last two months, Story has hit everything with authority. When considering his impact for the Rockies, Story should absolutely be the NL MVP, especially if Colorado wins the division.
If Story played in a city like Chicago, Los Angeles or New York, Story would be making national headlines on a regular basis and would run away with the award. But considering he plays 81 games a year at Coors Field, Story will likely have an asterisk next to his stats in the eyes of most national baseball writers.
The anti-Coors crowd robbed Todd Helton in 2000 when he led the league in hits (216), doubles (59), RBI (147), batting average (.347), on-base percentage (.463) and slugging (.698).
The same so-called baseball experts determined Jimmy Rollins was more worthy of the NL MVP than Matt Holliday in 2007. Rollins did have a phenomenal year in 2007, recording 88 extra-base hits and 41 stolen bases for the Phillies. But that logic also means Story should be an obvious choice for MVP in 2018.
In less games than Rollins played when he won the award, Story has more doubles (42), home runs (34) and RBI (104). Story’s on-base percentage (.345) is nearly identical to Rollins’ (.344) and their fielding numbers mirror each other as well.
The numbers do not lie. Story is producing at a rate that only a few shortstops in the history of the MLB have been able to match. And if the Rockies are able to win the division for the first time ever, that production must be rewarded.
Nobody has any issue with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton blasting home runs over the little league fences in New York. So, I do not want to hear any excuses trying to diminish Story’s numbers this season.
It has been a storybook year for Trevor and his individual play has been paramount to one of the best seasons in Rockies history. The Irving, Texas native deserves some bling for his mantle, but whether his success is recognized on a national level or not, Rockies fans will long remember his play this year.
