2015 MVPs


There were no surprises -- nor should there have been -- when Josh Donaldson of the Blue Jays and Bryce Harper of the Nationals earned Most Valuable Player honors in American and National Leagues for 2015. Let's start with Donaldson: acquired from Oakland the previous winter, he joined Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion to form a powerful heart of Toronto's batting order. Here's a good look at his mighty swing from an April game against the Yankees.
Donaldson's 2015 numbers: a .297 average (.351 on base%) with double 41's -- 41 homers and 41 doubles. He hit even better with runners in scoring position (.352). And thanks to those other big bats behind him, he led the majors in runs scored. Below, get a look at him playing 3rd defense... (He's the first AL 3rd baseman to be named MVP since George Brett in 1980.)
Harper's selection was just as obvious: on becoming the youngest NL MVP since Johnny Bench in 1970, he batted .330 (with a .460 on-base percentage) and belted 43 home runs.
Let's say you're into new-generation stats, his OPS+ of 195 is the highest in the majors since Barry Bonds' suspiciously unworldly 263 in 2004. Don't blame him for Washington's failure to make the post-season -- he did his part. Just 23 years old, Harper has a bright a future as anyone in baseball today.


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