Harper becomes youngest unanimous NL MVP in history

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper capped off a historic season with some hardware, taking home his first National League MVP award.

"I'm very ecstatic. I'm very happy. I can't thank my teammates and my family and everybody that's been a part of this year for me (enough)," Harper said after the announcement was made. "Staying healthy has been something I've wanted to do all year long. Being able to have guys like Ian Desmond and Jayson Werth, two guys that pushed me all year, pushed me last year, that have done things for me that I couldn't imagine my teammates doing for me. I can't thank them enough."

The 23-year-old officially broke out in his fourth season in the majors, placing his name among some esteemed company by becoming the fourth-youngest MVP, and the youngest in the NL since Johnny Bench in 1970.

Harper, who beat out Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds, is the NL's first unanimous selection since Albert Pujols in 2009, and eighth all time.

The NL leader in runs scored and WAR, Harper also finished the season tied for the NL lead in home runs, ranked fifth in doubles and RBIs, and walked a franchise-best 124 times. His 1.109 OPS is the highest mark since Pujols in 2008, and second-highest by a 22-year-old in league history, behind only Ted Williams. Harper also became the seventh player in major-league history to produce a 40-home run campaign by age 22, and the sixth-youngest player to reach the 40-homer plateau.

He's the first Nationals/Expos player to win the MVP award, and the first Washington player since Roger Peckinpaugh in 1925.