rsday with the announcement of the Most Valuable Player winners. As we eagerly await the results, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some past MVP races. While the official voting may have gone one way, let’s imagine a world where the winners were determined by an MLB-wide vote. Here’s a look at who might have come out on top in each year:
2019: Mike Trout, Angels
Trout is widely regarded as one of the best players in the game, and 2019 was no exception. Despite the Angels finishing with only 72 wins, Trout’s individual performance was outstanding. He led the majors in runs scored with 115 and topped the American League with 111 RBI. With 36 home runs and 16 stolen bases, Trout showcased his power and speed. His 169 OPS+ was the best among all position players, and he led the league in WAR. It’s safe to say that Trout would have been a deserving MVP in an MLB-wide vote.
2018: Mookie Betts, Red Sox
Betts had a phenomenal season in 2018, helping lead the Red Sox to a World Series championship. He excelled in all aspects of the game, showcasing his offensive prowess with a .346 batting average, 32 home runs, and 80 RBI. Betts also displayed his defensive skills, earning a Gold Glove award for his outstanding play in right field. With a 185 OPS+ and a league-leading 10.9 WAR, Betts would have been a strong contender for the MLB MVP in 2018.
2017: Jose Altuve, Astros
Altuve played a pivotal role in the Houston Astros’ World Series victory in 2017. His consistent hitting and exceptional base running made him a force to be reckoned with. Altuve led the American League in batting average with a remarkable .346, and his 204 hits were the most in the league. With 24 home runs and 81 RBI, Altuve showcased his power as well. His contributions on both offense and defense, along with a 160 OPS+ and 7.5 WAR, would have made him a strong contender for the MLB MVP in 2017.
2016: Mike Trout, Angels
Trout’s dominance in 2016 was undeniable. Despite the Angels finishing with only 74 wins, Trout’s individual performance was exceptional. He led the American League in runs scored with 123 and topped the league in on-base percentage with .441. With 29 home runs, 100 RBI, and 30 stolen bases, Trout showcased his versatility. His 174 OPS+ was the best among all position players, and he led the league in WAR. It’s clear that Trout would have been a deserving MVP in an MLB-wide vote.
2015: Bryce Harper, Nationals
Harper had a breakout season in 2015, solidifying his status as one of the game’s brightest young stars. He led the National League in home runs with 42 and topped the league in both slugging percentage (.649) and OPS (1.109). With 99 RBI and 118 runs scored, Harper showcased his offensive prowess. His 198 OPS+ was the best in the league, and he led all position players in WAR. Harper’s outstanding season would have made him a strong contender for the MLB MVP in 2015.
2014: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
In 2014, Kershaw had a historic season on the mound. He led the National League in wins with 21 and topped the league in ERA with an outstanding 1.77. Kershaw’s dominance was further highlighted by his 239 strikeouts and 0.857 WHIP. His performance earned him both the Cy Young and MVP awards in the National League, and it’s safe to say that he would have been a deserving MVP in an MLB-wide vote.
2013: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
Cabrera’s offensive prowess was on full display in 2013. He led the majors in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, while also hitting 44 home runs and driving in 137 runs. Cabrera’s performance earned him the AL MVP award, and it’s likely that he would have come out on top in an MLB-wide vote as well.
2012: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
The 2012 MVP race sparked intense debates between Cabrera and Trout. While Trout had a higher WAR, Cabrera’s offensive numbers were hard to ignore. He led the majors in runs scored and home runs, while also driving in 139 runs. Cabrera’s historic Triple Crown season carried the day in the official voting, and it’s likely that he would have won the MLB MVP in an MLB-wide vote as well.
2011: Ryan Braun, Brewers
In 2011, Braun’s performance helped lead the Brewers to the NL Central title. While there were arguments for other players, such as Matt Kemp, Braun’s contributions to a playoff team gave him the edge. On the AL side, the race was wide open, with Justin Verlander ultimately winning the award despite receiving only five first-place votes. Braun’s strong support would have made him a formidable contender in an MLB-wide vote.
2010: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Hamilton’s outstanding season in 2010 helped propel the Rangers to their first playoff appearance in over a decade. He led the majors in batting average, OPS, and WAR, while also hitting 32 home runs and driving in 100 runs. Hamilton’s performance would have made him a strong contender for the MLB MVP in 2010.
2009: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Pujols’ dominance in 2009 was evident in his impressive numbers. He led the majors in runs scored and home runs, while also driving in 135 runs. Pujols’ outstanding performance earned him the NL MVP unanimously, and it’s likely that he would have won the MLB MVP in an MLB-wide vote as well.
2008: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Pujols’ 2008 season was nothing short of spectacular. He led the majors in WAR and topped the league in several offensive categories, including batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Pujols’ performance would have made him a clear choice for the MLB MVP in 2008.
2007: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
A-Rod’s 2007 season was one for the record books. He led the majors in several offensive categories, including home runs, RBI, runs scored, and OPS. A-Rod’s performance, coupled with his team’s success, would have made him a strong contender for the MLB MVP in 2007.
2006: Ryan Howard, Phillies
In 2006, Howard’s power at the plate was unmatched. He led the majors in home runs and RBI, showcasing his ability to drive in runs. Howard’s performance would have made him a formidable contender for the MLB MVP in 2006.
2005: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
The 2005 MVP race between A-Rod and Pujols was a true battle of the titans. Both players had outstanding seasons, with A-Rod edging out Pujols in home runs and RBI. While it’s difficult to determine the exact outcome of an MLB-wide vote, A-Rod’s offensive numbers would have given him a strong chance at winning the MVP.
2004: Barry Bonds, Giants
Bonds’ 2004 season was nothing short of historic. He posted a remarkable 1.422 OPS and was intentionally walked 120 times. Bonds’ dominance at the plate would have made him a clear choice for the MLB MVP in 2004.
2003: Barry Bonds, Giants
In 2003, Bonds continued his incredible run of success. He led the league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage, while also hitting 45 home runs in just 390 at-bats. Bonds’ performance would have made him a strong contender for the MLB MVP in 2003.
2002: Barry Bonds, Giants
Bonds’ 2002 season was one for the ages. He led the league in several offensive categories, including on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. Bonds’ performance, coupled with his team’s success, would have made him a clear choice for the MLB MVP in 2002.
2001: Barry Bonds, Giants
Bonds’ 2001 season was nothing short of legendary. He hit a record-breaking 73 home runs and posted a remarkable 1.422 OPS. Bonds’ performance, coupled with his team’s success, would have made him a strong contender for the MLB MVP in 2001.
2000 so fun (I’ll let you decide if this is sarcasm or not). Trout beat Cabrera in WAR 10.5 to 7.1 on the strength of amazing center-field defense, top-flight baserunning and a similar slash line (Cabrera was better by four batting average points, worse by six OBP points and 42 in slugging). Trout led the majors in runs and bested Cabrera by 20. Cabrera, though, hit 44 homers to Trout’s 30 and drove home 139 compared to Trout’s 83 RBI. More than anything, the first Triple Crown winner since 1967 carried the day and I think it would again. It should be noted that Cabrera didn’t win the MLB triple crown, only that of the American League as McCutchen had the best batting average, but I still think this would’ve been Miggy.
2011: Ryan Braun, Brewers
Remember, this was before the PED controversy surrounding Braun, so throw that out. He won the NL MVP with 20 first-place votes. It could be argued Matt Kemp had better numbers, but the Brewers won the NL Central with 96 wins while the Dodgers missed the playoffs at 82-79. On the AL side, it was such a mess that Justin Verlander won the award despite only getting five first-place votes. It was a ridiculous season and fine vote, I’m just pointing out that by no means was any AL candidate carrying strong enough support to best Braun.
2010: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
This was a tough one. Joey Votto on the NL side had a monster season, posting a .324/.424/.600 (171 OPS+) line with 36 doubles, 37 homers, 113 RBI, 106 runs and even 16 stolen bases. It was enough that he beat out a prime Albert Pujols season, though voter fatigue along with the Reds winning the division over the Cardinals were factors. Hamilton anchored the lineup for the first Rangers playoff team in over a decade. He hit .359(!) with a 170 OPS+ with 40 doubles, 32 homers and 100 RBI. He led the majors in average, OPS and WAR.
2009: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
It’s tough to omit Joe Mauer here, as he led the majors with a .365 average and .444 OBP as a catcher. That’s just insanity. The problem is he runs up against The Machine here. Pujols’ 9.7 WAR was topped only by Zack Greinke’s 10.4 in the AL, but Greinke only finished 17th in AL MVP voting! Pujols led the majors in runs and home runs while his 135 RBI were only six off the leaders. He hit .327/.443/.658. He won unanimously in NL MVP voting that year and he might well have done the same in an MLB-wide vote.
2008: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Dustin Pedroia took AL MVP honors and led the majors with 213 hits. He had a big season in many ways. He just, again, runs into The Machine here. Pujols hit .357 with a 192 OPS+. He had 44 doubles, 37 homers, 116 RBI, 100 runs and led the majors with 9.2 WAR. It’s not really all that close.
2007: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
Kudos to NL MVP Jimmy Rollins on a fun and great season. Again, though, this wasn’t really all that close. As I’ve said above in the case of Braun, remember that this was pre-PED cloud on A-Rod. He hit .314/.422/.645 (176 OPS+) with 54 homers, 156 RBI 143 runs and 24 stolen bases. He led the majors in WAR, home runs, RBI, runs and OPS, among other stats, for a playoff team.
2006: Ryan Howard, Phillies
I had to avoid attempting to relitigate these votes, as I disagree with both in hindsight. I’m not looking at who I would’ve picked, but instead who would’ve won. Justin Morneau won AL MVP despite being arguably the third-most valuable player on his team thanks to his gaudy RBI total. Of course, David Ortiz had more RBI and had 20 more homers. There’s an argument to be made that Johan Santana, Ortiz or Derek Jeter should’ve won. But Morneau did. On the NL side, Howard took out Pujols and Carlos Beltrán. Howard’s 58 homers and 149 RBI carried the vote then and it would’ve done so in an MLB-wide vote.
2005: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
It’s A-Rod vs. Pujols in a true battle of the titans. Take a look:
A-Rod: .321/.421/.610, 173 OPS+, 29 2B, 1 3B, 48 HR, 130 RBI, 124 R, 21 SB, 9.4 WAR
Pujols: .330/.430/.609, 168 OPS+, 38 2B, 2 3B, 41 HR, 117 RBI, 129 R, 16 SB, 8.4 WAR.
Both teams won their division, the Yankees with 95 wins and the Cardinals with 100. I’ll go with A-Rod (I think the HR and RBI gap would’ve done it), but it’s razor thin and hard to know how exactly the vote would’ve shaken out.
2004: Barry Bonds, Giants
Vladimir Guerreo won his MVP on the AL side, but this wasn’t really a competition. Bonds hit .362/.609/.812 that season. Yes, he had a 1.422 OPS. Only 95 other players in MLB history have ever been intentionally walked 120 times in their careers. Bonds was walked intentionally 120 times in this season alone.
2003: Barry Bonds, Giants
A-Rod had a monster season to win AL MVP with 8.4 WAR, but Bonds hit .341/.529/.749, good for a 231 OPS+. He homered 45 times in just 390 at-bats.
2002: Barry Bonds, Giants
Miguel Tejada won the AL MVP despite A-Rod crushing him in WAR and home runs. Bonds posted an 11.7 WAR after hitting .370/.582/.799, which was a career-best 268 OPS+. He homered 46 times and drove home 110 despite drawing 198 walks (68 of which were intentional).
2001: Barry Bonds, Giants
As a reminder, this was before any sort of PED ties. Bonds hit 73 home runs. That alone would’ve been plenty, but he also hit .328/.515/.863 with 137 RBI, 129 runs and 177 walks. He even stole 13 bases. He posted 11.9 WAR.
2000: Jason Giambi, Athletics
Pedro Martinez should’ve won AL MVP and Bonds probably should’ve taken the honors on the NL side, but, again, I’m only judging who would have won. We know that Jason Giambi took AL MVP while Jeff Kent won the NL MVP. That means those are our two choices. Giambi had Kent by over 100 OPS points, trailed by one point in batting average (.334 to .333), and had 10 more homers and 12 more RBI. I think he would’ve had it.