It's not too early to start making MVP argument for Reds rookie

Cincinnati Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz has been so good since his call-up to the majors that he has already emerged as the leading favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year award.

If he keeps going at his current pace he might be starting to play his way into the discussion for another major award in the National League.

The MVP.

Cruz had another big game for the Reds on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a double in a 5-4 win over the Washington Nationals. That performance lifted Cruz's average to .325 and his OPS to .905, which would be good enough for top-10 in the National League if he had enough at-bats to qualify. 

Along with his own impressive numbers, he has completely transformed the short-term and long-term outlook for the Reds franchise. 

Since his arrival the team is 21-6 and has averaged more than six runs per game. 

If he keeps hitting at his current level and the team keeps winning the way it has and plays its way into the National League playoffs -- or even wins the National League Central -- there is going to be a strong MVP argument for Cruz. Not only because he looks like a bonafide superstar and top-tier player, but for the way he has taken a team that was an afterthought prior to his arrival and is now one of the hottest teams in baseball.

The problem for Cruz and an MVP argument is going to be the two other top contenders in the National League.

Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. is having an historic season that might see him join the extremely rare 40-40 club, while Miami's Luis Arraez is flirting with the first .400 batting average season since the 1941 season when Ted Williams did it. 

They will be the favorites, and probably are right now, but Cruz is rapidly making a strong case for himself.