NEW YORK – Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson has been named the American League MVP.
Donaldson hit .297 with a league-best 123 runs batted in to help the Blue Jays to their first AL East title – and first playoff appearance – since 1993.
The 29-year-old beat Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout for the honours and joined 1987 winner George Bell as the only Blue Jays players to be named AL MVP.
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“Enjoy the club, man,” Bell said in a video message sent out by the Blue Jays. “I’m glad for you, for your family and for Toronto Blue Jays fans.”
What was characterized as a close race leading up to Thursday’s announcement turned out to be an easy win for Donaldson, who took 23 first-place votes and seven second-place votes.
Trout had seven first-place and 22 second-place votes, as well as one third-place vote.
Outfielder Lorenzo Cain of the Kansas City Royals was third with 20 third-place votes.
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Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was a unanimous choice as National League MVP.
Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt finished second and Toronto native Joey Votto, a first baseman with Cincinnati, was third.
Earlier this month, Donaldson was named a Silver Slugger award winner for the first time in his career.
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