2020: The One With the MVP
2020 will be remembered for many reasons as the world found itself in the midst of a pandemic. MLB found a way to allow the season to continue despite being in a shortened form. However, there is one reason that sticks out most when thinking back on that season for the Atlanta Braves.
Freddie Freeman had proven himself as one of the league's best players since the moment he arrived in Atlanta. There were always flashes showing the potential of an MVP award and he's always around the .300 mark batting-wise while also providing elite defense.
He had a couple of firsts during this season including hitting his first and second career grand slam within days of each other in September. The other first was him winning the NL MVP for his incredible performance.
Freeman led the league in multiple categories including runs (51), 2B (23), extra-base hits (37), and WAR (3.3). He slashed .341/.462/.640 with a 1.102 OPS and OPS+ of 187 as well. He also is the one to catch the final out as the Braves won their third consecutive NL East title.
While the season may have been shortened, there was little doubt that Freddie Freeman was the MVP of the league. He led the Braves all season to big wins and came through in big moments. He performed well in the playoffs with a .279 average with a .904 OPS.
The pain of not making it past the NLCS that postseason was rough as Atlanta looked poised to make a World Series run. However, this season was just a preview of what was to come next for the Braves.