After coming close in each of the past two seasons, Mike Trout is now an American League MVP.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder was unanimously named the Junior Circuit's top player for the 2014 season by the Baseball Writers of America, breaking through following runner-up finishes to Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera in each of the previous two years.
Trout was not to be denied this time, putting together a sensational all- around 2014 campaign to easily outdistance another Tiger, Victor Martinez, for the award. The five-tool superstar was named first on all 30 ballots cast for a total of 420 points
Martinez, bidding to become the fourth Detroit player in as many years to win the MVP, received 16 second-place votes and 229 points. Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley finished third with 185 points, 40 more than Chicago White Sox first baseman and 2014 AL Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu.
The National League MVP will be announced shortly on the MLB Network. Last year's winner, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, is one of three finalists along with Los Angeles Dodgers ace and 2014 Cy Young Award recipient Clayton Kershaw and Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.
[SportsNetwork.com]
