The Baseball Writers’ Associating announced on Thursday that Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has finished second in the 2015 National League Most Valuable Player voting behind Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals who becomes the fourth youngest player in MLB history to win the award. In the process, Goldschmidt becomes the first player in franchise history to receive multiple top-five finishes as he finished runner-up in the NL MVP voting in 2013.
“I’m extremely humbled to be considered for the award, especially in the company of two great players like Bryce and Joey,” said Goldschmidt. “I’d also like to congratulate Bryce on winning the award after such an outstanding season. It’s flattering to be recognized, not as much for me but for all the people who are part of this team, my teammates, coaches, trainers, clubhouse staff, scouts and player development, our fans and so many more. I’d also like to thank Major League Baseball, the Baseball Writers Association and other media members who spend their time working with us all year long.”
Goldschmidt bursted out of the gates in 2015 hitting 20 home runs with 65 runs batted in over the first three months of the season. He finished the season hitting .321 with 38 doubles, 33 home runs, 110 RBI, 118 walks and a 1.005 OPS in 2015. He ranked among NL leaders in this season in OPS (2nd), RBI (2nd), times on base (2nd, 302), average (3rd), on-base percentage (3rd, .435), slugging percentage (3rd, .570), runs scored (3rd, 103), walks (3rd), hits (3rd), total bases (3rd, 323), home runs (5th) and extra-base hits (5th, 73).
In 2015, he was the first player with at least 100 walks, runs scored and RBI with a .320 average or better since Miguel Cabrera in 2011. Since 1998, Goldschmidt is 1 of 5 players to finish Top 2 in the NL MVP balloting twice over a 3-year span, joining Ryan Braun (2011-12), Albert Pujols (2002-03, ‘05-06, ‘08-10), Ryan Howard (2006, ’08) and Barry Bonds (2000-04).
A Diamondback still has not yet won the National League MVP Award but the organization has won a few Cy Young Awards and boat load of Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. Goldschmidt won both for the second time in his career after this season.
