New York Yankees: Can a Yankee Win an Award this Year?
Which Yankee Can Win MVP Next?
The New York Yankees have had 22 players win the MVP since the award began in 1911, but they haven’t had a player win it since 2007 when Alex Rodriguez won his second in three years. They have had players come awfully close over that span with Aaron Judge finishing second in voting in 2017, Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter finishing second and third in 2009, DJ LeMahieu finishing fourth in 2019, and Robinson Cano finishing third in 2010, fourth in 2012, fifth in 2013, and sixth in 2011, however, they have failed to win it.
That could all change in 2020 though as the Yankees have a plethora of players who could be holding that trophy in November.
Aaron Judge
Highest MVP Voting Finish: 2017-second
Aaron Judge was actually my pick to win the MVP this season, and I believe this is still very possible. Through four games this season Judge has hit one home run, holds a .267 batting average, has touched home plate four times himself, and also has three RBIs.
In addition to all of this, he is also a fantastic defensive player which also plays a factor into MVP voting. Obviously, if he is going to win the American League Most Valuable Player award, he’s going to have to step it up, but only four games have been played so it is far too early to tell.
Gerrit Cole
Highest MVP Voting Finish: 2019-10th
You might think a pitcher winning MVP is crazy, but it’s happened twice since 2011. Clayton Kershaw won it for the Dodgers in 2014, and Justin Verlander won it for the Tigers in 2011. That being said, it’s quite possible, and if anything, a shortened season helps a pitcher’s odds of winning the MVP.
For Gerrit Cole, he has started the 2020 MLB Season on an extremely high note with a 2-0 record and a 3.09 ERA in two starts. With Cole having only one loss on his resume since May 22, 2019, there is no better season to win his first MVP than this year.
DJ LeMahieu
Highest MVP Voting Finish: 2019-fourth
Only last season, LeMahieu finished fourth in MVP voting, and so far in 2020, he has picked up right where he left off. Through 12 at-bats LeMahieu holds an average of .500 with a home run, has three RBIs, and has touched home plate himself twice.
Not only that, but LeMahieu can play anywhere in the infield and can do it while almost never committing an error. This undoubtedly plays into his favor when it comes to award voting, simply because he is so versatile and is so impressive in the field.
Gleyber Torres
Highest MVP Voting Finish: 2019-17th
Gleyber Torres is extraordinarily young but is already one of the best infielders in Major League Baseball. In 2019 Torres held a batting average of .278, hit an astonishing 38 home runs, and had 90 RBIs to go with it.
In addition to his 2019 numbers, he is also one of the best defensive infielders in baseball as mentioned, and he has moved back to his original position of shortstop this season as well. All that being said, there is a good chance Gleyber Torres is near the top when it comes to AL MVP voting in 2020.
Honorable Mention:
Giancarlo Stanton
Highest MVP Voting Finish: Won 2017 National League MVP
Giancarlo Stanton has an amazing bat, and if he is healthy and able to get through a full season, he would undoubtedly be near the top of the MVP conversation. HOWEVER, Stanton’s problem is the fact that he is the Yankees’ designated hitter which makes it that much harder to win the MVP award. A designated hitter has never won an MVP, and I don’t think that will change this season.