"Better than Shohei Ohtani" - Mets sportscaster argues for Fransisco Lindor's NL MVP case despite 'Shotime' inching closer to historic 50-50 club

Shohei Ohtani might be having a record-breaking season but to some Mets analysts and fans he hasn't done enough to win the National League MVP. Instead, New York Mets clubhouse leader Francisco Lindor is a frontrunner. MLB analyst Ryan Finkelstein outlined the reasons during Saturday's episode of the "Locked On Mets" podcast.

Shohei Ohtani became the first Los Angeles Dodgers player and only the sixth player in MLB history to accomplish a 40-40 season when he stole one base and hit a walk off grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. If he is able to keep the same form, he is projected to finish with a 50-50 season, something which has never been achieved in the history of the sport.

But there are two things which still might be a barrier to an MVP award. Ohtani is playing entirely as the designated hitter this season, meaning he hasn't contributed to the game either through his pitching or his ground fielding. Plus, the 30-year-old is part of a star-studded lineup that can pull its weight without him.

This lineup decision has worked in favor for Francisco Lindor's MVP potential. As Finkelstein said, Lindor's defensive inputs at shortstop, one of the toughest defensive positions, and his overall contributions to the success of the New York Mets are noteworthy. The infielder currently has a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) figure of 6.3 compared to Ohtani's 6.0.

"Francisco Lindor has been better than Shohei Ohtani since May 18 and now. I don't know if the last two days have changed on that," Finklestein said.

Francisco Lindor striving to achieve greater numbers

While Shohei Ohtani raced to a 40-40 season, becoming the fastest player in history to reach the milestone, Francisco Lindor recorded the first 25-25 season by a shortstop during Mets' game against the Orioles on Wednesday.

Lindor has been in the league for 10 years, previously playing for the Cleveland Indians. A player with his longevity will be focused on helping the Mets prepare for a potential Wild Card playoff run.

"If the fans feel that way, it's fantastic. But I got to continue to climb. I got to continue to help the team win. MVPs are not won in June and July. MVPs are won in August and September," Lindor told ESPN.

Since 2015, Lindor, who was born in Puerto Rico, is only behind Mookie Betts and Mike Trout on overall WAR stats.