The Chicago White Sox Jose Abreu and the Atlanta Braves Freddie Freeman, both first basemen, were named the Most Valuable Players of the American League and National League respectively.
The 2020 MLB season was a very different one because of the COVID-19 pandemic shortening the season to 60 games instead of the usual 162. But because of this, anyone who wanted to be considered for MVP honors this year couldn’t afford to go through even the slightest slump.
Freddie Freeman’s performance in Atlanta was particularly impactful because it was clear that the offense was going to have to carry the team after the Braves lost a slew of pitchers to injuries and pandemic-related opt-outs.
Freeman posted a .341 batting average, .462 on-base percentage, and .640 slugging percentage, all career highs. He also had more walks than strikeouts (45 vs. 37) and hit 13 home runs.
Freeman beat out two flashy MLB stars, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts and San Diego Padres slugger Manny Macahdo, because of his sheer consistency and his important to his team.
Abreu was similarly recognized for consistency and for his importance to the team. He is the first White Sox to win the MVP award since Frank Thomas took the title in back-to-back seasons in 1993-94.
