The reigning National League most valuable player is a finalist for this year's award.
For the first time ever, Major League Baseball and the Baseball Writers Association of America announced finalists for the MVP and Milwaukee Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun among the five announced in the National League. Finalists were also reveled in both leagues for the Cy Young, Manager of the Year and the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year.
Five finalists were announced for MVP, while just the top three were announced for the other awards because writers voting for MVP submit 10 names on their ballot, but only five for the rest.
Joining Braun as finalists for National League MVP are San Francisco catcher Buster Posey, Pittsburgh centerfielder Andrew McCutchen, St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina and San Diego third baseman Chase Headley.
Braun, 28, finished third in the NL batting race with a .319 average, hit a league-leading 41 home runs and finished second in the league with 112 RBI.
Considered a longshot, Brewers outfielder Norichika Aoki was not named a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year.
The BBWAA will announce the winner of the awards next week on MLB Network, beginning with the AL and NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award on Monday. The AL and NL Managers of the Year will be announced Tuesday, AL and NL Cy Young Awards on Wednesday and the MVP awards coming Thursday.
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