MLB First-Half MVPs: Stars & Snubs

The Pittsburgh Pirates exemplify the MVP paradox with Paul Skenes as their lone All-Star representative, despite Braxton Ashcraft's superior ERA and strikeouts. Meanwhile, Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds helped transform the Pirates' offense from MLB's worst to one of the best but were notably snubbed from All-Star recognition. grenadier.co.za

Elsewhere, Bobby Witt Jr. leads the AL in WAR for the Royals, Hunter Goodman ranks second in NL home runs for the Rockies, Juan Soto dominates NL on-base stats for the Mets, and Luis Arraez has been a defensive and offensive revelation for the Giants. Chase Burns stands out with a 10-1 record and 2.40 ERA for the struggling Reds.