St. Louis Cardinals star Paul Goldschmidt wins the National League (NL) MVP award, taking the honor for the first time after a brilliant season this 2022.

Goldschmidt beat his teammate Nolan Arenado for the award, as well as San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado. It's a well-deserved victory, though, after the 35-year-old led the NL in slugging at .578 and OPS at .981. He also just finished the campaign compiling the best OPS-plus (180) of his career, while recording NL top-five numbers in WAR (7.8), batting average (.317), home runs (35) and RBIs (115).

For what it's worth, it's not a surprise that Goldschmidt took home the trophy. He was a heavy favorite to bag the recognition and become the first Cardinals player to win MVP since Albert Pujols did so in 2008 and 2009.

Goldy was named the NL Player of the Month in May and actually won Player of the Week three times. Not only was he pivotal in helping the Cardinals grab the NL Central division title, but no one can also deny the incredible individual season he just had. He was also a finalist for the Gold Glove, as well as the team's Roberto Clemente Award

While it is Paul Goldschmidt's first MVP win, it isn't the first time he was in the running for the honor. He had two runners-up finishes in NL MVP voting, as well as a third- and sixth-place recognition.

Of course actually getting it hits differently, especially for a veteran like Goldschmidt who has finally taken his place among the greats to win MVP.