MVP Ozzie Albies? One writer had him on their ballot
The MVP award was officially handed to Pete Crow-Armstrong last night in what was nothing more than a formality. The Cubs centerfielder was the best all-around player in the sport this past season, but there was one shocking aspect of the voting making its rounds this morning. Among Braves players, Chris Sale, Matt Olson, and […]
The MVP award was officially handed to Pete Crow-Armstrong last night in what was nothing more than a formality. The Cubs centerfielder was the best all-around player in the sport this past season, but there was one shocking aspect of the voting making its rounds this morning.
Among Braves players, Chris Sale, Matt Olson, and Michael Harris II all received MVP votes. No surprises there. Sale was a top-three finisher in the NL Cy Young race. Olson clubbed 41 home runs and was the best first baseman in the sport, and Michael Harris II was probably the best player on the entire team.
The surprise? Ozzie Albies also received an MVP vote, with Rick Cerrone of Baseball Digest ranking him the 6th most valuable player in the National League this season.
I would like for you all to look at that 2nd Pittsburgh voter’s ballot because oh my lord https://t.co/P6GAkT9S22 pic.twitter.com/hikD2pSfzu
— AT (@BaseballWRLD_) November 13, 2026
Cerrone must have been drinking that Braves Kool-Aid, because he also had Matt Olson finishing third ahead of Shohei Ohtani — but even that isn’t as ridiculous as giving Albies an MVP vote at all.
Listen, I’ve been a staunch defender of Ozzie Albies his entire career. He’s been magnificent for the Braves and was one of the few players who actually showed up in the postseason this year. That said, this might have been the worst season of his entire career. Take out a hot month or so to begin the season, and Albies hit .210 with a .610 OPS over the final 125 games.
And while, yes, it’s fun to have a good laugh at just how nonsensical it is to have him finish sixth in the MVP race, we also have to hold Mr. Cerrone accountable. There’s simply no way he should be allowed to vote on any awards moving forward. Just imagine if this were a tight race and his vote actually mattered. It would be World War III amongst baseball fans right now.
Cerrone also had Schwarber second, a guy who finished the season with 2.6 WAR. This is the same type of voter who’s likely keeping one of your all-time favorite players out of Cooperstown. Baseball has to be better about holding these people accountable. Be serious or lose your vote.
—
Photo: IMAGO / Newscom World
What's Your Reaction?
