Goldy ends up 2nd in NL MVP balloting
D-backs first baseman finishes behind Nationals slugger Harper
Though Paul Goldschmidt didn't win the National League Most Valuable Player Award, presented by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, the D-backs first baseman accepted the results of the vote that was announced Thursday with the same grace that he displays on the field.
Goldschmidt finished second to Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who captured all 30 first-place votes. Goldschmidt was the only other player to be named on all 30 ballots, collecting 18 second-place votes, three third-place votes, one fourth-place vote, three fifth-place votes, three sixth-place votes and two seventh-place votes for 234 points. Goldschmidt finished comfortably ahead of Reds first baseman Joey Votto, who took third place with 175 points.
In a statement issued by the D-backs, Goldschmidt expressed gratitude for the lofty recognition.
"I'm extremely humbled to be considered for the award, especially in the company of two great players like Bryce and Joey," he said. "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."
This remained a rewarding offseason for the 28-year-old Goldschmidt. He won the Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger Award at his position. He also won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year and Fielding Bible awards at first base. Goldschmidt also was selected as the D-backs MVP by the BBWAA's Arizona chapter.
This year, Goldschmidt became the first player with at least 100 walks, 100 runs scored and 100 RBIs with a .320 average or better since Miguel Cabrera in 2011. Goldschmidt finished this year with a .321 batting average, 38 doubles, 33 home runs, 110 RBIs, 118 walks and a career-high 1.005 OPS. He ranked among NL leaders in OPS (second), RBIs (second), times on base (second, 302), batting average (third), on-base percentage (third, .435), runs scored (third, 103), walks (third), hits (third, 182), total bases (third, 323), home runs (fifth) and extra-base hits (fifth, 73).
An MVP runner-up in 2013, Goldschmidt is one of five players since 1998 to finish in the top two in NL balloting during a three-year span. The others are the Brewers' Ryan Braun (2011-12), the Cardinals' Albert Pujols (2002-03, '05-06, '08-10), the Phillies' Ryan Howard (2006, '08) and the Giants' Barry Bonds (2000-04).