Baseball’s best were honored under the bright lights as the Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced its Most Valuable Player and Cy Young awards for the 2020 season. In the American League, standout performances from Jose Abreu and Shane Bieber landed the duo an MVP and Cy Young, respectively. In the National League, fresh faces in Freddie Freeman and Trevor Bauer were the best among the best in 2020.
Most Valuable Player
American League: Jose Abreu – DH, Chicago White Sox
Propelling the White Sox into their first postseason appearance in 12 years, American League MVP Jose Abreu pasted together a fantastic season. At the dish, Abreu could not be stopped. The three-hole slugger led the AL in RBIs (60), placed 2nd in HRs (19) and 4th in Batting Average with (.317). With already a strong resume, consisting of AL Rookie of the Year and 3x All-Star appearances, the veteran slugger will look to finally add a World Series ring next season with the up-and-rising White Sox. Backed by young stars Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert, the South Side of Chicago will have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.
National League: Freddie Freeman – 1B, Atlanta Braves
After missing most of Summer training camp due to COVID-19, Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman bounced back stronger than anyone would expect as he took home the National League MVP award. Leading the NL East-winning Braves, Freeman’s hot bat led him into finishing 1st in runs (51), 2nd in OPS (1.102) and 2nd in Batting Average (.341), OBP (.462) and Slugging (.640). Like fine wine, as Freeman gets older, he just gets better. The 4x All-Star and 1x Gold Glove award winner takes home his first MVP award.
Cy Young
American League: Shane Bieber – SP, Cleveland Indians
When searching up the word ‘domination’, you’ll likely find the results: Shane Bieber, 2020. The Cleveland Indians ace becomes the first unanimous Cy Young selection in the American League since 2011. Bieber dazzled and shredded opposing lineups, resulting in a MLB record 41.1% strikeout rate and a history-tying opponents batting average of .167. The lockdown right-hander recorded the lowest qualified ERA (1.63) in his storybook season. Solidifying himself as a top pitcher in baseball, Bieber will look to repeat his Triple Crown performance during a full season of play in 2021.
National League: Trevor Bauer – SP, Cincinnati Reds
Many said he wouldn’t do it. Many said he wouldn’t make it. Reds ace (now Free Agent) Trevor Bauer defined the odds and struck the jackpot with this 2020 shortened season performance on the rubber. Leading the NL in ERA (1.73) through 11 total starts, Bauer struck out 100. Averaging 12.3 strikeouts per nine, Bauer’s presence and demeanor on the mound was like none other. With two complete game shutouts, Bauer will look to ink a hefty and well-deserved contract this offseason.
Photo: Getty Images
