MLB MVPs: 3 Players Who Delivered in the Playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, winning their second championship in five seasons. The Dodgers’ rally began in the fifth inning thanks in part to some atrocious defense by the Yankees, including errors by outfielder Aaron Judge and shortstop Anthony Volpe. Freddie Freeman, who had two RBIs in the inning, won World Series MVP.

Here's a closer look at the performance of Freeman in the World Series and the two MVPs in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) and National League Championship Series (NLCS).

1. Freddie Freeman (World Series MVP)

Although he's an eight-time All-Star and won the NL MVP in 2020, Freeman was somewhat of an unlikely hero for the Dodgers in the World Series. He had just one RBI in the prior two playoff series and was playing through an ankle injury. The 35-year-old first baseman didn't play in the final game of the NLCS against the New York Mets and said the six days off before the start of the World Series gave his ankle time to heal.

"I did a lot of work in between the NLCS and the World Series," Freeman said. "Thankfully, my ankle got into a good spot where I could work on my swing, and I found a cue that really worked for me. I was able to slow things down. All you’re trying to do is swing at strikes, take balls, and hit the mistakes. Thankfully, I was able to do that for five games."

Freeman had a record-tying 12 RBIs in the World Series and had home runs in each of the first four games, a feat no other player had accomplished in the World Series. He also hit the first-ever game-winning grand slam in the World Series in Game 1.

2. Giancarlo Stanton (ALCS MVP)

Giancarlo Stanton led the Yankees to their first World Series since 2009 and won the 2024 ALCS MVP following an impressive showing against the Cleveland Guardians. In his seventh season with the Yankees, Stanton showcased his power in the series, hitting four home runs and recording seven RBIs.

Stanton's 446-foot home run in the sixth inning of Game 5 was his third in three games and evened the score, setting up teammate Juan Soto to hit the series-clinching home run in the 10th inning. Stanton was the ninth Yankee to win the award and first since pitcher CC Sabathia in 2009.

3. Tommy Edman (NLCS MVP)

While the Dodgers have a loaded payroll, including more than $1 billion committed to Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani, it was unheralded 29-year-old Tommy Edman who starred for the team in the NLCS. Edman missed the majority of the 2024 season while recovering from offseason surgery, but was an offensive force in the playoffs, particularly in the NLCS. He had a team-leading 11 RBIs and hits in all six games against the New York Mets.