Freeman tops Betts to win 1st NL MVP
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has picked up his first National League MVP award, the Baseball Writers' Association of America announced Thursday.
Freeman is the first Braves player to collect the honor since Hall of Famer Chipper Jones in 1999.
Freddie Freeman wins the 7th MVP Award by a Braves player since the BBWAA began voting in 1931:
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) November 12, 2020
2020 Freddie Freeman
1999 Chipper Jones
1991 Terry Pendleton
1983 Dale Murphy
1982 Dale Murphy
1957 Hank Aaron
1947 Bob Elliott
The 31-year-old slugger finished first or second in almost every offensive category in the NL during 2020.
#MVFree by the numbers! pic.twitter.com/hmOA84PkSA
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 13, 2020
Freeman topped Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts and San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado in votes among finalists.
| Player | Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freddie Freeman | Braves | 28 | 2 | 0 | 410 |
| Mookie Betts | Dodgers | 2 | 21 | 5 | 268 |
| Manny Machado | Padres | 0 | 2 | 16 | 211 |
| Fernando Tatis Jr. | Padres | 0 | 2 | 5 | 201 |
| Juan Soto | Nationals | 0 | 3 | 2 | 172 |
Freeman's accomplishment is even more noteworthy considering he dealt with a tough bout of COVID-19 in early July. He said at the time that he prayed for his life after dealing with a fever that reached 104.5.