Corbin Carroll is making an early-season statement that has the baseball world buzzing. Despite a hamate bone injury during spring training that sidelined him from the World Baseball Classic, the Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder has not only recovered but is now squarely in the conversation for the National League MVP award.
Carroll's explosive start is all the more impressive given the setback. The injury kept him from representing Team USA in the WBC, a tournament the United States ultimately lost to Venezuela. But since taking the field for the D-backs, Carroll has been nothing short of electric, showcasing the dynamic skill set that made him a Rookie of the Year winner in 2023.
According to a recent poll of over 40 MLB.com experts, Carroll currently ranks fourth in MVP projections, trailing only Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who leads the pack with 28 first-place votes. MLB.com's Jason Foster highlighted Carroll's "potent combination of slug and speed" as a key reason for his strong candidacy.
"Carroll finished fifth in MVP voting after his 2023 NL Rookie of the Year campaign and finished sixth last season," Foster noted. "He's back in the mix this season because he remains a significant offensive threat for the D-backs. Like De La Cruz, Carroll brings a potent combination of slug and speed, which makes him a game-changer. He leads the Majors in triples (four), which is no surprise, as he's led either the NL or all of baseball in that category every season since his rookie year."
Through 31 games, the two-time All-Star is hitting .273 with a .890 OPS, four home runs, and a league-leading four triples. What's truly remarkable is the historic potential here: Carroll is on pace to become the first player since 2007 to record 20 triples, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in a single season. That rare feat was last accomplished by Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson.
For Diamondbacks fans and baseball purists alike, watching Carroll's blend of power and speed is a reminder of just how special his game can be. If he keeps this pace, the NL MVP trophy might not be a question of "if," but "when."