Andrew McCutchen named finalist for NL MVP award

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen is one of five finalists for the National League Most Valuable Player Award. The Baseball Writers Association of America named the finalists on Wednesday.

Joining McCutchen are San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey, Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley.

McCutchen batted .327 with 31 home runs, 96 RBIs, 107 runs, and 20 stolen bases this season, his fourth in the league. He lead the National League with 194 hits and posted a WAR of 7.0, which was second-best in the NL behind only Posey. McCutchen also won his first Gold Glove this season for his defensive play.

The last Pirate to be named NL MVP was Barry Bonds, who won the award with the Pirates in 1990 and 1992.

The NL MVP will be announced on Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m. ET on MLB Network.