Brewer Fanatic 2022 Awards: Most Valuable Player

With how the Brewers season concluded, even the most optimistic fans may have a hard time picking out bright spots from the 2022 season. Through the ups and downs of the season, one player performed admirably, doing so with a smile the entire time. That player is our choice for Brewer Fanatic 2022 MVP, Willy Adames. 

Adames’ 2022 season stats: .238 AVG / .298 OBP / .458 SLG / in 617 PA’s, 31 HR, 98 RBI, 4.7 fWAR

In a season where the Brewers saw numerous injury stints from their position players, Adames played in 139 games, providing the Brewers with some much-needed consistency in the infield. Though Adames didn’t put up the exact offensive numbers many may have hoped, he still found ways to be productive, whether it was providing elite defense up the middle, or coming up with clutch home runs to keep the Brewers in the hunt.

It might be hard to believe that Adames, who only hit .238, with a sub .300 on-base percentage was the Brewers most valuable player this year. While that may be a testament to the Brewers top-to-bottom offensive mediocrity, Adames certainly deserves some credit. His 31 home runs are the most by a Brewers shortstop in a single season, while his 98 RBI ranks second in the same category. That kind of power isn’t something Brewers fans should take for granted, especially from a shortstop.

As mentioned earlier, a good chunk of Adames’ value came from his defense. His 10 Outs Above Average (OAA) ranked seventh among all MLB shortstops, and placed him in the top 20 of all qualified major leaguers. Not only was OAA a fan of Adames defensively, but other metrics such as UZR and Defensive WAR rated Adames highly as well, ranking in the top 20 in both. 

Depending on who you ask, MVP awards have certain other intangibles. If you were to argue for an intangible in Adames’ case, his clubhouse leadership is worth mentioning. It’s no question Adames has been the heart and soul in the Brewers clubhouse for the last year and a half. His commitment to both the team and fanbase has certainly benefited the Brewers in more than one way.

Runner Up: Corbin Burnes, SP
Burnes’ 2022 stats: 202 IP / 2.98 ERA / 0.965 WHIP, in 33 games, 12 wins, 243 S, 4.1 bWAR

Corbin Burnes was brilliant once again in 2022. Though he likely won’t be taking home the NL Cy Young this year, Burnes solidified himself as one of the game's top pitchers in 2022. If you want to read more about Burnes masterful season, check out The Brewer Fanatic 2022 Awards: Pitcher of the Year

Others Receiving votes: Hunter Renfroe, Rowdy Tellez, Jace Peterson, Kolten Wong, Christian Yelich
While there were others receiving votes, none came close to the total Adames and Burnes amassed. Hitters like Hunter Renfroe and Kolten Wong both turned in above-average seasons at the plate, yet struggled defensively. Both Yelich and Tellez were plagued by inconsistency both offensively and defensively, while Jace Peterson received votes due to his excellent work as a utility man. 

What did you think of the contributions of the players mentioned above? Did the voters get it right? Your comments are always welcome!