Can Wood and Abrams fight for an MVP?

Wood is producing at a high level with a .276 average, .413 on-base percentage, and .551 slugging, along with 14 doubles, 15 homers, and 9 stolen bases. Abrams is also performing with a .289 average, .381 on-base percentage, and .542 slugging, plus 11 doubles, 2 triples, 12 homers, and 7 stolen bases. Wood’s 2025 decline is linked to a slump that began in early June and extended through the All-Star break, with more strikeouts and less lift on balls. After the break, he returned to form late in the season. This season’s performance suggests his approach remains effective, with contact being the main issue and stamina/conditioning as the key question for sustaining production.

"In 2024 when Wood broke onto the scene with an impressive half season debut, he was close to perfect at the plate. It's clear he identifies strikes well and, when he can make contact, crushes the ball. 2025 felt like a step back but only because there were two Woods. First half Wood was an MVP candidate as well hitting .278 / .381 / .534 with 24 homers. But he began to peter out with a slump early in June and a more extended one from late June into the ASB. He struck out a bunch more and didn't get the lift on balls that he did in the first half cutting his power. The slump continued right after the break and he didn't get back into form until the last week of the season."

"This season not much is different than last other than everything he was "one of the best" at he's now "Maybe number one" at. The only thing he continues to have issues with is making contact but this is often the trade-off for power hitters and one you take. I don't see any approach reason why Wood can't continue to do what he's doing for longer. You can't change your pitching approach too much because he doesn't chase. If we look at 2025 there was a subtle shift further down and away, which seems counter-intuitive to a guy with his reach who hits the ball away regularly but maybe it worked and we'll probably see something like that again."

"Let's start with Wood because he's pretty easy. Wood : .276 / .413 / .551 14 2B, 15 homers, 9 SB (1CS), 46 BBs, 77Ks Abrams : .289 / .381 / .542, 11 2B, 2 3B, 12 HR, 7 SB (4CS), 25BBs, 47Ks"

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