if you're looking at fWAR, not playing defense is already factored into the calculation. currently ohtani is issued a 14 run demerit for sipping martinis, whereas lindor has a 15.7 run credit to his balance. this effectively evens out the offensive difference between the two players, 56.5 runs vs 27.9 lindor currently has a statistically irrelevant edge in fWAR at 6.6 to 6.4 bbref has lower emphasis on defense it seems, as ohtani is given a -11 run demerit to lindor's +10 credit, leading to ohtani's 6.7 to 6.0 bWAR advantage. i think fWAR's defensive metrics are held to a higher regard than bWAR, but i may be mistaken. i think the mets need to make the playoffs for lindor to have a real shot at the mvp, and even then it might not be enough. lindor would need to have a hell of a hot streak down the stretch to propel the team. threatening a 50-50 season while also being in the triple crown and triple slash crown hunt on a first place team is pretty damned tough to beat. especially with all those martinis sloshing around in his belly.