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          Surprise MVP candidates at the fantasy baseball midpoint

          Few people predicted this much fantasy success for Seattle's young outfielder Kyle Lewis. AP
          • Eric Karabell, ESPN Senior WriterAug 25, 2020, 11:09 AM ET
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            • ESPN contributor on TV, radio, podcasts, blogs, Magazine
            • Charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame
            • Author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments"
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          It hardly takes much insight to bestow San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. with the half-season award for fantasy MVP. Yes, half the 2020 season is over. Can you believe it? Tatis leads the league in home runs, RBIs and runs scored, and boasts a .314 batting average and six stolen bases. Nobody is more fun to watch and, for those who worried about his durability, nobody has more plate appearances. Tatis leads ESPN's fantasy Player Rater -- and comfortably so, while also edging out Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts in points formats.