Two Atlanta Braves players shone brightly in the 2024 National League MVP voting, earning well-deserved recognition for their stellar seasons. The Braves’ designated hitter, Marcell Ozuna, landed in fourth place, while ace pitcher Chris Sale secured seventh. While neither snagged the top honor, their inclusion reflects the impact they had on the league and their team this season.
The MVP Voting Breakdown
The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) released the full MVP voting details Thursday night. As expected, Shohei Ohtani swept the ballots to become the unanimous MVP. Ozuna and Sale both received second-place votes, a nod to their remarkable performances.
Ozuna’s votes were distributed across the rankings, earning recognition as far down as 10th place. On the other hand, Sale received one second-place vote but mainly saw support from voters who ranked him fifth or lower.
Ozuna: A Season to Remember, Despite the Slump
Marcell Ozuna appeared poised to contend for the National League batting Triple Crown early on, slugging his way into MVP conversations. However, a late-season power slump dimmed his chances of finishing higher. In September, his slash line dropped to .277/.376/.383. Solid numbers, but a noticeable drop-off compared to his season-long performance.
Despite this, Ozuna’s overall 2024 stats were outstanding: a .306/.378/.546 slash line, 39 home runs, and 104 RBIs. These numbers showcase his consistency and power at the plate, even if his late-season slowdown hurt his MVP aspirations. He remains the only Braves player to receive MVP votes in consecutive seasons, showing his value in Atlanta’s lineup.
Sale’s Stellar Year on the Mound
In his first year with the Braves, Chris Sale proved he’s still one of baseball’s premier pitchers. His 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 225 strikeouts, and a dominant 174 ERA+ highlight his incredible Cy Young Award-winning season.
Pitchers often face uphill battles in MVP voting. Sale’s performance earned him five fifth-place votes and one second-place nod, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most valuable players.
A Step Back for Braves Representation
This year marked a decline in the Brave’s representation in the MVP conversation. In 2023, five Braves received votes, including then-unanimous MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. However, injuries and shifts in performance changed the landscape in 2024. Acuña, Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies were absent this year, leaving Ozuna and Sale as the team’s flagbearers.
While Ohtani’s unanimous MVP win was no surprise, the Braves’ duo of Ozuna and Sale still left their mark on the 2024 season, ensuring their efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
