:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2729637/20120616_jla_aj5_197.0.jpg)
I've gotten used to writing about Buster Posey beating out Ryan Braun for postseason awards, but tonight's announcement caught me off guard.
Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen beat out both Braun and Posey for the Players Choice Award for NL Most Outstanding Player. McCutchen is the first Pirate ever to win the award.
McCutchen led all National League hitters with 194 hits in 2012, but Braun beat him in each of the following categories:
| Stat | Braun | McCutchen |
| Runs scored | 108 | 107 |
| Doubles | 36 | 29 |
| Home Runs | 41 | 31 |
| RBI | 112 | 96 |
| Stolen bases | 30 | 20 |
| Slugging pct | .595 | .553 |
| OPS | .987 | .953 |
Braun was looking to become the second Brewer ever to win this award: Prince Fielder also won it in 2007. Braun was the Players Choice Award winner for Most Outstanding Rookie in 2007.
It's likely 2012 will be the second straight season where the NL Players Choice Award winner is not the NL MVP.