Heading into the season's final weekend, the races for Major League Baseball's awards are down to the wire with candidates making their closing arguments.

The fight for National League Most Valuable Player has been a roller-coaster all season, but Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich has established himself as the favorite down the stretch. Yelich has put together a monster second half, hitting 22 homers with 61 RBI in 61 games since the All-Star break.

Yelich faces stiff competition from players on other contenders, namely Cubs infielder Javier Baez, who ranks ahead of him in home runs and RBI.

Here's a look at the pros and cons for the top NL MVP candidates:

Christian Yelich, Brewers

Case for:Perhaps the most overlooked player in the Marlins' winter firesale, Yelich has come into his own with Milwaukee, leading the National League in batting average (.321), slugging percentage (.583) and OPS (.978). He has 33 home runs through Wednesday, shattering his career high of 21 set in 2016. Yelich has manned all three outfield positions for the Brewers and his 21 steals also tie his career high.

Case against: There's no argument to be made against Yelich. Try coming up with one ... I'll wait.

Javier Baez, Cubs

Case for: One of the most electrifying players in baseball put it all together this season, ranking among the top five in the National League with 34 HR and 111 RBI through Wednesday. Baez has spent considerable time at three different infield positions, helping the Cubs overcome injuries en route to their fourth consecutive postseason appearance.

Case against: Baez still strikes out a lot and has a relatively low on-base percentage, but those are really the only faults you can find with his 2018 season.

Freddie Freeman, Braves

Case for: The 29-year-old’s numbers (23 HR, 95 RBI) may not jump off the page, but he’s been the best all-around hitter for the NL East champions this season. Freeman leads the majors with 187 hits through Wednesday and his veteran presence on the young team cannot be discounted.

Case against: There’s really nothing to hold against Freeman, other than the fact that his counting statistics are fairly pedestrian for a first baseman.

Matt Carpenter, Cardinals

Case for: The NL’s home run leader endured a miserable first month and a half but caught fire in the middle of May. Carpenter hit 32 home runs in 90 games from May 21 to Aug. 31, leading the Cardinals into contention.

Case against: His average is still just .259, a result of his 16-for-114 start to the season.

Lorenzo Cain, Brewers

Case for: The Brewers’ other big offseason acquisition has contributed almost as much as Yelich, setting career highs in steals and OBP. Cain currently leads the NL in WAR for position players and has continued to be one of the best defensive center fielders in the league.

Case against: Cain’s counting stats leave a lot to be desired.

Nolan Arenado, Rockies

Case for: Arenado has been the best offensive player on a contender and is one of the best defensive third baseman in the game. He ranks in the top five in National League in home runs, RBI, OPS and slugging.

Case against: Like it or not, there’s the Coors Field factor. Through Wednesday, Arenado had a .348/.426/.659 at home compared to just .248/.325/.440 on the road.

Jacob deGrom, Mets

Case for: The 30-year-old has put together one of the greatest seasons in modern history, finishing with a 1.70 ERA and an MLB-record 24 consecutive quality starts. With a gem in his final start of the season, deGrom got to 10 wins and put his record above .500.

Case against: The Mets were quite bad and pitchers already face an uphill climb to get MVP votes.