The Braves boasted two top-10 National League MVP candidates in 2019, one of the greatest offensive seasons in club history.
Outfielder Ronald Acuna finished fifth in voting – his first top-five finish – and first baseman Freddie Freeman finished eighth, according to Thursday’s announced results. Acuna totaled the most points (155) after winner Cody Bellinger (362), Christian Yelich (317), Anthony Rendon (242) and Ketel Marte (198).
In his first full season, Acuna hit .280 with an .883 OPS across 156 games. Again a dynamic leadoff man, he fell just short in his pursuit for a 40-40 season, finishing with 41 homers and 37 steals. The 21-year-old was the reigning rookie of the year.
Freeman earned his fourth top-10 MVP finish. This might’ve been his most productive season: .295/.389/.549 with 38 homers and 121 RBIs. He also was named Wilson defensive player of the year for first basemen.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson also finished 11th in voting after hitting 37 homers, knocking in 94 runs and posted a .900 OPS. Donaldson is a free agent, but the team hopes to re-sign him.
Acuna, Freeman and Donaldson guided an offense that ranked among the NL’s best in several categories, including runs scored (855, third), RBIs (861, second), on-base percentage (.336, third) and homers (249, fourth). The Braves won 97 games and their second consecutive NL East title.
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