Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt finished second in voting for the 2015 National League Most Valuable Player award.
Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper received all 30 first-place votes from members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America in results announced Thursday. Goldschmidt also finished runner-up in the NL MVP voting in 2013.
Since 1998, Goldschmidt is one of five players to finish top 2 on the NL MVP ballot twice in a three-year span, joining Ryan Braun (2011-12), Albert Pujols (2002-03, '05-06, '08-10), Ryan Howard (2006, '08) and Barry Bonds (2000-04). Each of them won at least one MVP during those stretches.
"I'm extremely humbled to be considered for the award, especially in the company of two great players like Bryce and Joey (Votto)," Goldschmidt said in a statement. "I'd also like to congratulate Bryce on winning the award after such an outstanding season. It's flattering to be recognized, not as much for me but for all the people who are part of this team, my teammates, coaches, trainers, clubhouse staff, scouts and player development, our fans and so many more."
Goldschmidt, 28, hit .321 (182-for-567) with 38 doubles, 33 home runs, 110 RBI, 118 walks and a 1.005 OPS in 2015. He ranked among NL leaders in this past season in OPS (second), RBI (second), times on base (second, 302), average (third), on-base percentage (third, .435), slugging percentage (third, .570), runs scored (third, 103), walks (third), hits (third), total bases (third, 323), home runs (fifth) and extra-base hits (fifth, 73).
