The 2020 Major League Baseball season has been a unique one, but that hasn’t stopped the best players from standing out. On Tuesday, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) announced the finalists for the American and National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.
In the American League, Los Angeles Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager, and Oakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien were named as the three finalists. Ohtani is the first player in MLB history to be named an MVP finalist as both a pitcher and a hitter in the same season. He had a remarkable season, batting .190 with 17 home runs and 45 RBIs while also going 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 10 starts. Seager had a career year, batting .307 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs. Semien was a consistent force for the A’s all season long, batting .285 with 14 home runs and 40 RBIs.
In the National League, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts, and Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman were named as the three finalists. Acuña had a breakout season, batting .250 with 14 home runs and 37 RBIs while also stealing 14 bases. Betts had another stellar season for the Red Sox, batting .292 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs. Freeman was a consistent force for the Braves all season long, batting .341 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs.
The winners of the MVP awards will be announced on November 12th. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in each league. All six of these players had incredible seasons and deserve recognition for their outstanding performances.
