Former MVP and Atlanta Braves star Chipper Jones congratulated current Braves mainstay Freddie Freeman on being named the most valuable player in the National League for the 2020 MLB season.
Congrats to the National League MVP….my man @FreddieFreeman5 . Never a doubt. Knew u could do it….just a matter of time! Now go do it again in 21. Love ya bro!
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) November 12, 2020
In getting 28 out of 30 first place votes, the first baseman easily beat out both the Dodgers' Mookie Betts, and Padres' Manny Machado for the top honor in the senior circuit.
Though Freeman accumulated a batting line of .341/.462/.640 over the course of the season–to go along with 13 home runs and 2.9 Wins Above Replacement in only 53 games–the perennial all-star was initially concerned with simply staying alive, following a diagnosis of COVID-19 less than a month before opening day. Enduring a temperature that spiked to over 104 degrees, the former high school draftee revealed that he prayed for his life, because “[he] wasn't ready” to go.
Regardless of his illness, Freeman recovered to not only overcome a slow start to the season, but lead Atlanta to the National League Championship Series, where the Braves eventually fell to the Dodgers in a seven game series.
The award also marks the first time an Atlanta player took home Most Valuable honors since the aforementioned Jones in 1999. Coming amidst the Braves run of 14 consecutive division titles, the campaign saw the third baseman put together a season in which he hit .319/.441/.633 with 6.9 WAR, as Atlanta eventually lost in the World Series to the New York Yankees.
Despite entering the 2021 season in the last year of his contract–originally signed signed in 2014–the MVP award is certain to provide Freeman with extra leverage in extracting another payday from the Atlanta franchise. Though no details have emerged on the specifics of any deal, Freeman has expressed interest in remaining with the club for the foreseeable future.
Given that the Braves fell just one game short of the World Series this season, Freeman should feel that Atlanta is exactly where he wants to be.
—
MLB awards are rolling in. Meanwhile, follow NFL on ClutchPoints on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook. We can also be found on Flipboard where you can subscribe and follow us.
Follow Us
Subscribe