Bryce Harper Wins NL MVP, Rizzo 4th, Arrieta 6th, Bryant 11th

As expected – and as deserved – Bryce Harper won the BBWAA’s NL MVP award tonight, and he did so in unanimous fashion. The guy hit .330/.460/.649 and posted a 9.5 WAR. Dude was a freak. And he just turned 23.

Of note to Cubs fans, Anthony Rizzo was just outside the group of finalists, it turns out, finishing 4th behind Harper, Paul Goldschmidt, and Joey Votto. Indeed, Rizzo’s 162 points were actually just barely behind Joey Votto’s 175. Rizzo finished the season with a .278/.387/.512, having hit 31 homers, 38 doubles, 3 triples, and driving in 101 runs. He also stole 17 bases – remember when he was doing that?

Jake Arrieta, who won the Cy Young, was the top-finishing pitcher, netting 134 points and finishing fifth behind the above four and Andrew McCutchen.

As expected and also deserved, Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant received some down-the-ballot votes, finishing 11th.