Josh Donaldson, Bryce Harper named AL, NL MVP winners

Josh Donaldson of the Toronto Blue Jays and Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals have been named the 2015 American and National League Most Valuable Players, Major League Baseball announced on Thursday.

Josh Donaldson of the Toronto Blue Jays and Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals have been named the 2015 American and National League Most Valuable Players, Major League Baseball announced on Thursday.

Harper walked away with the NL honor by a unanimous vote, becoming the youngest unanimous MVP in baseball history. Harper, who turned 23 on Oct. 16, is the fourth-youngest player to win the honor. While he could not carry the Nationals into the playoffs, Harper was dominate in 2015. The 23-year-old rightfielder finished the season hitting .330 with 42 home runs and 99 RBIs. Harper beat out Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto for the honor.  

Donaldson took home his first MVP, beating out Los Angeles Angels centerfielder Mike Trout and Kansas City Royals centerfielder Lorenzo Cain. The 29-year-old finished the regular season with a .297 batting average and career highs in home runs (41) and RBIs (123) while leading the Blue Jays’ high-powered offense. Donaldson was integral in leading Toronto to its first playoff appearance since 1993.

Donaldson faced tight competition from Trout, who won the MVP in 2014. The 24-year-old matched Donaldson with 41 home runs, to go along with 90 RBIs. He hit .299 on the way to a Silver Slugger award. 

Donaldson received 23 first-place votes, while Trout grabbed the remaining seven.