The 2011 MLB season featured one of the most agonizing near-misses for the National League MVP award, delivered by Los Angeles Dodgers star center fielder, Matt Kemp. His campaign was truly extraordinary, showcasing a blend of power, speed, and defense that solidified his status as one of baseball’s premier talents.
Kemp (the main character in this unforgettable MVP race) put up stunning, league-leading numbers in his bid for the Triple Crown, but ultimately finished as the runner-up in one of the most controversial MVP votes in history.
The Near-40/40 Season and Statistical Dominance
Kemp achieved a rare level of dominance in multiple categories, validating his status as a five-tool player:
| Category | Matt Kemp’s 2011 Stats | NL Rank |
| Home Runs | 39 | 1st (NL Leader) |
| RBIs | 126 | 1st (NL Leader) |
| Batting Average | .324 | 3rd |
| Stolen Bases | 40 | 2nd |
| Runs Scored | 115 | 1st (NL Leader) |
- The Near-40-40: His 39 home runs and 40 stolen bases left him agonizingly one home run shy of becoming just the fifth member of the exclusive 40-40 club.
- Other Accolades: Beyond the raw numbers, Kemp was rewarded for his all-around excellence, winning both a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award in 2011. He also won the prestigious NL Hank Aaron Award.
The Controversial MVP Result
Despite leading the NL in three major offensive categories (Home Runs, RBIs, and Runs Scored), Kemp narrowly lost the MVP race to Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun.
- The Winner: Ryan Braun won the 2011 NL MVP award.
- The Final Margin: The voting was extremely close, with Braun outpointing Kemp by a slim margin in the final tabulation.
- The Controversy: The result became instantly controversial and grew exponentially when, two years later in 2013, Braun was suspended by MLB for his connection to the Biogenesis scandal and his subsequent admission to using performance-enhancing drugs during the 2011 season.
Many writers and analysts have since stated that, given the later revelations, Matt Kemp should have been the rightful 2011 NL MVP. His legendary 2011 performance remains a high-water mark for a Dodgers position player in the modern era.
That season remains one of the most talked-about in Dodgers history. Would you like to know the latest news on Cody Bellinger, another former MVP candidate and Dodgers star, in this year’s free agency?
