Willie Mays could’ve been MVP any year from 1954-1966

You can literally make an argument for any of the years between 1954 and 1966 that he had a case for MVP. 13 years straight.

His lowest WAR in that time was in 1956 with 7.6, which led the league. He was 17th in the NL MVP voting. In that time he won 10 straight Gold Gloves, was all an All-Star every year, capturing 2 MVPs and cracking the top 6 in voting every year but 1956.

It’s probably the greatest prime of all time. He had zero weaknesses in his game, hitting 518 home runs and stealing 270 bases with a 166+ OPS from 54-66. 1500+ runs, .315 average, 100+ triples, All while being the best defensive center-fielder in the league.

His 124.1 WAR in that time (2000 games, 13 years) is more than all but 8 other position players for their career. More than players like Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Rickey Henderson, and A-Rod.

Barry Bonds’ 1990-2004 is right there. It was a slightly longer prime than Mays had, and he was unstoppable at the plate, comparable to only Babe Ruth statistically, with a 1.124 OPS over 15 seasons. By comparison, Willie had a .990 OPS in his 13 year prime. Bonds stole 389 bases in that time, became the single season home run king, and won 8 gold gloves and 7 MVPs. He led left fielders in defensive WAR 6x and accumulated a 131.3 WAR (8.8 average). Willie averaged a 9.5 WAR.

The Babe’s prime (1919-32) is statistically better. He averaged a 10.1 WAR per year and 140.8 WAR. But I give Mays the slight edge because he did in an integrated league in a much more modern era. The three decades that separated them so saw much development in the sport. Of course that doesn’t mean Ruth wouldn’t wreak havoc in any era with all the scientific benefits and training on his side.