The 2016 NLCS MVP award represented more than just a season-ending accolade; it was the validation of a remarkable personal resurgence and a quiet leadership statement. While the Chicago Cubs captured their first championship in 108 years, the narrative of the National League Championship Series belonged to two distinct stories of redemption. One belonged to a veteran closer who silenced years of criticism, and the other to a young ace who overcame a devastating injury to dominate the game’s most potent lineup.
The Stalwart Closer: Aroldis Chapman
Aroldis Chapman entered the 2016 postseason carrying the burden of a reputation as a fragile blowout specialist. His regular season finish with the Yankees had been marred by high-profile blown saves, casting doubt on his ability to handle the immense pressure of October. The transformation he underwent in the NLCS, particularly during the decisive Game 5, redefined his legacy. Chapman didn't just secure wins; he projected an aura of inevitability that quelled the potent Miami Marlins offense when the series hung in the balance.
Dominance in the Fire Sale
Facing a Marlins team that had traded away its core talent in a fire sale, Chapman was tasked with the critical role of a setup man behind closer Wade Davis. He treated this reduced role not as a demotion, but as an opportunity. In Game 3, he struck out the side in the ninth inning on just 11 pitches, a masterclass in efficiency. His performance in Game 5, where he retired 11 consecutive batters to end the game and the series, showcased a command and nerve that silenced every critic who questioned his clutch credentials.
The Arm of the Team: Jake Arrieta
If Chapman provided the stoic relief, Jake Arrieta delivered the foundational brilliance that kept the Cubs in contention. Arrieta’s own 2016 campaign was a story of recovery, as he battled through the debilitating symptoms of the flu-like virus that had derailed his season. His return to form in the postseason was nothing short of heroic, particularly in the NLCS where he consistently matched the offensive firepower of the Cardinals and Dodgers.
Overcoming Adversity on the Biggest Stage
Arrieta’s Game 1 start in the NLCS was a testament to his resilience. He pitched through significant discomfort, relying on an arsenal of elite pitches and an uncanny ability to keep the ball down in the zone. His ability to navigate deep into games without a high pitch count allowed the Cubs to manage their bullpen effectively over the final two rounds. When the Cubs finally reached the World Series, it was Arrieta’s gritty performance in the NLCS that earned him the league’s highest individual honor for that round.
Statistical Dominance and Lasting Impact
The accolades for both players were backed by undeniable statistics that highlighted their contrasting but equally vital contributions. Chapman’s sub-2.00 ERA and microscopic WHIP in the postseason underscored his efficiency and reliability. Arrieta’s low ERA and strikeout-to-walk ratio demonstrated his ability to overpower elite competition. Together, their performances created a duality of strength that propelled the Cubs past two historically talented opponents.
A Legacy Forged in October
Winning the NLCS MVP cemented a narrative of second chances for both athletes. For Chapman, it repaired a fractured relationship with the baseball world and proved he could be the ultimate closer in the most dramatic moments. For Arrieta, it was the capstone on a personal comeback that reminded everyone of his elite potential. Their success was not a product of luck but of preparation, skill, and the ability to thrive when the stakes were highest.
