Paul Goldschmidt Named 2022 National League MVP

The seven-time All-Star and two-time MVP runner-up finally wins the top prize.

He was twice the bridesmaid, but never the bride. Now, it’s his time.

Paul Goldschmidt, who finished as the runner-up for the National League MVP twice with the Diamondbacks, was announced as the 2022 NL MVP on Thursday. He beat out teammate Nolan Arenado and Padres third baseman Manny Machado, receiving 22 first-place votes.

Machado got seven first-place votes and came in second, while Arenado received one first-place vote. Dodgers’ stars Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts finished fourth and fifth in the voting, respectively.

Goldschmidt’s fourth season in St. Louis was his finest. He led the NL in slugging percentage (.578) and OPS (.981). He had a career-high 76 extra-base hits, finishing the year with 35 home runs and 115 RBIs.

Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star, adds to an impressive trophy case that also includes four Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards. This marks the 21st time a Cardinals player has won the MVP award, and first since Albert Pujols in 2009.