(cardinals.com)
Any player nominated for a Most Valuable Player Award has obviously had a great season. But describing what this year’s MVP candidates accomplished as “great” kind of undersells their seasons.
A first-time MVP, Goldschmidt is the first St. Louis star so honored since fellow first baseman Albert Pujols, in 2009, and he earned it by having the best season of his career — in his age-34 year, no less.
Goldschmidt claimed 22 of 30 first-place votes for a total of 380 points. Padres third baseman Manny Machado (seven first-place votes) finished second at 291 points. Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (one first-place vote) finished third at 232 points.
Goldschmidt not only led the NL but set a career best in slugging percentage (.578). He also led the league in OPS (.981) and weighted runs created plus (177) and was critical in the Cards claiming the top spot in the NL Central.
Of course, Goldschmidt had stiff competition on his own team for the MVP. He beat out Arenado, whose second season with the club saw him sport a .293/.358/.533 slash with 30 homers while earning his 10th consecutive Gold Glove at the hot corner. The Cardinals had made trades for Goldschmidt (prior to 2019) and Arenado (prior to 2021) in the hope that they could solidify the middle of the lineup. In 2022, they both finished as finalists for the MVP, and Arenado’s recent decision not to opt out of his remaining contract with the club ensures they’ll remain corner-infield cornerstones next season.