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MLBPA Announces 2020 Players Choice Award Winners

By TC Zencka | October 22, 2020 at 1:58pm CDT

The MLBPA announced their Players Choice Awards today, which were voted on by the players prior to the postseason. Freddie Freeman was the biggest winner, taking home both the NL Player of the Year honor, as well as the NL Outstanding Player Award, which correlates to the MVP. Jose Abreu of the White Sox took home the AL MVP equivalent award. Nelson Cruz was awarded the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award in the American League, while Andrew Dawson won the inaugural Curt Flood Award, given to “a former player, living or deceased, who in the image of Flood demonstrated a selfless, longtime devotion to the Players Association and advancement of Players’ rights.”

Feel free to read their official press release here, and check out the other award winners as voted on by the players below:

AL Outstanding Pitcher: Shane Bieber

NL Outstanding Pitcher: Trevor Bauer

The Outstanding Pitcher award in each league – or the Cy Young equivalent – went to Trevor Bauer of the Reds and Shane Bieber of the Indians. Bieber was a shoo-in as the best pitcher in the American League, but Bauer faced some tough competition in the NL from Jacob deGrom and Yu Darvish.

AL Outstanding Rookie: Kyle Lewis

NL Outstanding Rookie: Jake Cronenworth

Lewis broke out as a star for the Mariners, an important development for him, of course, but also for the Mariners and their rebuild. Lewis hit .262/.364/.437 with 11 home runs and highlight-reel defensive work in centerfield. The 26-year-old Cronenworth came to San Diego as an unheralded pickup from the Rays, but the two-way player focused on his offense in 2020, got regular reps at second base, and emerged as a star. Cronenworth hit .285/.354/.477 in 192 plate appearances while completing the Padres infield picture.

AL Comeback Player: Carlos Carrasco

NL Comeback Player: Daniel Bard

These are both tremendous stories. Carrasco was treated for leukemia last season before returning at the end of the year. This season he returned to his prior form, going 3-4 with a 2.91 ERA/3.59 FIP across 68 innings. Bard, meanwhile, hadn’t pitched in the majors since 2013, retiring in 2017. He discovered renewed velocity while coaching, then came back to become the Rockies’ closer by the end of 2020. He made 23 appearances with a 3.65 ERA/3.64 FIP with 6 saves. Many have tried and failed to provide steady relief in Colorado, so for Bard to come back where he did is particularly impressive.

The traditional awards that we tend to reference throughout the years are released by the Baseball Writer’s Association of America. They announced their reveal dates today as well: November 11th for the Cy Young and November 12th for MVP.

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MLBPA Carlos Carrasco Daniel Bard Freddie Freeman Jake Cronenworth Jose Abreu Kyle Lewis Shane Bieber Trevor Bauer

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View Comments (72)
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72 Comments

  1. Braves&Chargers

    5 years ago

    MVFreeman

    8
    Reply
    • Padres458

      5 years ago

      Give it to tatis, first base is too easy

      1
      Reply
      • DockEllisDee

        5 years ago

        oh please. Yes he deserves some votes, but not first place

        4
        Reply
        • Chief Two Hands

          5 years ago

          No MVP to anyone with that ridiculous hair. That’s the rule! That said, Tatis has certainly lived up to expectations so far, but I have no issue with Freeman getting it, and Betts should get consideration as well.

          Reply
        • lowtalker1

          5 years ago

          If it’s anything but tatis for mvp and cronenworth for roy then it is confirmed mlb has bias against San Diego

          1
          Reply
        • HQMER

          5 years ago

          What is wrong with his hair?

          Any why would it have any importance in determining his MVP consideration?

          Reply
        • Chief Two Hands

          5 years ago

          Did you really take that seriously? That’s adorable. If you were sitting next to me I would gently pat you on the head.

          5
          Reply
        • bravesfan

          5 years ago

          It seems like you have a bias for the Padres because Freeman should win this by a landslide if we are going strictly based on statistics. There isn’t really a close 2nd. Now if we are giving it away to a guy who draws attention with his playing style while also perform ok, then yes … FT Jr gets it. But on pure #’s it’s not even close

          1
          Reply
        • Nervehammer

          5 years ago

          Yeaaaaa Freeman had a better year. 1.100 ops is undeniable compared to Tatis’ .930. Tatis had a great year and got plenty of attention, and Freeman had an amazing year with less attention.

          4
          Reply
        • CavanFuggedYourBichio

          5 years ago

          Yea, you don’t typically win the MVP with a .277 average unless your slugging .700. Even then Freeman would still have the stronger numbers. According to OPS+ Freeman was about 36% better with the bat the Tatis Jr. in 2020.

          Reply
        • DTD_ATL

          5 years ago

          Tatis sucked hard for an extended period of the season so he’s certainly no mvp

          Reply
        • Orel Saxhiser

          5 years ago

          Tatis wasn’t even the best shortstop in the league. Big fade despite a woefully short schedule.

          Reply
      • DrDan75

        5 years ago

        Tatis will have at least a few MVP awards in his trophy case before he’s done. Remember he’s only 21.

        1
        Reply
    • FredMcGriff for the HOF

      5 years ago

      About time Freeman got some love. No way the Braves go that deep into the postseason without him.

      6
      Reply
      • Chief Two Hands

        5 years ago

        It’s interesting seeing players interact on the base paths and it seems like Freeman is respected by everyone.

        Reply
  2. colonthegoat40

    5 years ago

    All were well deserved

    2
    Reply
  3. MWeller77

    5 years ago

    I believe that you meant to write Andre Dawson

    1
    Reply
    • DirtbagBlues

      5 years ago

      I’ll get a MLBTR subscription if they finally hire some copy editors.

      2
      Reply
      • MoRivera 1999

        5 years ago

        Until then you’ll just freeload?

        1
        Reply
        • DirtbagBlues

          5 years ago

          I mean, it’s a free site.

          Reply
  4. Larry David's Joe Pepitone Jersey

    5 years ago

    I love the new recognition for Flood, and Dawson is a deserving first recipient for the award.

    Reply
  5. DockEllisDee

    5 years ago

    Andrew Dawson, aka “the Falcon”, my favorite player on that ’87 Cubs World Championship team

    6
    Reply
    • Larry David's Joe Pepitone Jersey

      5 years ago

      I thought he was on the ’87 Bears

      Reply
    • nats7

      5 years ago

      The Hawk -never heard of a falcon is nickname

      1
      Reply
      • j_butte

        5 years ago

        *Facepalm emoji*

        3
        Reply
    • DirtbagBlues

      5 years ago

      He and Ryan Sandberg were my two favorite players.

      Reply
    • ABCD

      5 years ago

      Yep, 4th best RF in the NL that year.

      Reply
    • GarryHarris

      5 years ago

      or maybe Andrea Dawson, the Titmouse…

      Reply
  6. Rangers29

    5 years ago

    Yay! Bauer! What about the Roberto Clemente Awards? Shin-Soo Choo needs it.

    Reply
  7. jorge78

    5 years ago

    What is the Marvin Miller award for please?

    Reply
    • hossmandu

      5 years ago

      It’s right there in the press release.

      1
      Reply
  8. HalosHeavenJJ

    5 years ago

    Both comeback player stories are incredible. Great to see Carrasco back to full health, baseball is a bonus.

    2
    Reply
  9. Phil Leotardo

    5 years ago

    Wait MLBPA is giving out awards??? Lmao so 60 games they give awards after telling fans they hope they die ala Blake Snell……

    Reply
  10. Bigtimeyankeefan

    5 years ago

    Dj lemahieu should have won… plays 3 positions gold glove caliber, leads majors in hitting, with all Yankees injuries, where are they without him??
    Oh and by the way Luke voit should have been close as well, maybe not the winner but close. The numbers he put up, and injured most the last 2 months…

    3
    Reply
    • realsox

      5 years ago

      I suggest all awards always go to Yankee players. I also suggest that the Yankees be declared the default winner of every game they play. If fact, all other teams should be disbanded, leaving the Yankees as the only team in the major leagues. What do you think, Bigtimeyankeefan?

      Reply
      • Srechter35

        5 years ago

        Oh look, a Yankees homer and a Red Sox hater going at, who’da thunk it?

        6
        Reply
        • Peart of the game

          5 years ago

          Aren’t those the same thing?

          Reply
    • Bigtimeyankeefan

      5 years ago

      All I’ll say to realsox is just look at the numbers

      1
      Reply
  11. TradeAcuna

    5 years ago

    “Yo, Braves, I’m really happy for you, I’mma let you finish, but you still lost the NLCS.”

    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      5 years ago

      Well..25 other teams finished worse, so.. *shrugs*

      1
      Reply
  12. Halo11Fan

    5 years ago

    “MVP equivalent award. Nelson Cruz was awarded the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award”

    That’s appropriate. Marvin Miller was a huge voice in preventing baseball from doing tests in order to have a cleaner game. When Fehr capitulated to Congressional demands that testing was necessary, Miller blew a gasket.

    Reply
  13. lowtalker1

    5 years ago

    How is wil Myers not the pick for nl come back player ?

    Reply
    • AHH-Rox

      5 years ago

      Because Bard came back from an enormously lower low. Myers and Rosenthal would have been good candidates in a year without such a great comeback story.

      3
      Reply
    • DrDan75

      5 years ago

      Because of Daniel Bard’s story. Any other year Myers probably would have won or come close.

      1
      Reply
  14. toastyroasty

    5 years ago

    These golden glove nominations didn’t even include Freddie Freeman in the top three. I believe that makes them irrelevant

    Reply
    • ABCD

      5 years ago

      Solely based on defensive metrics this year. Belt had a better DRS and TZ.

      And Rizzo is a fine choice to win. He will probably be the only Cub to win.

      Reply
  15. bobtillman

    5 years ago

    Another year, another Refsnyder snub.

    Reply
    • Srechter35

      5 years ago

      No rave reviews here.

      Reply
  16. ripaceventura30

    5 years ago

    I wonder if Bohm wins Rookie of the Year had the Phillies made the playoffs. Cronenworth was very deserving but he tailed off at the end of the season right when Bohm kept improving. Can’t go wrong with either pick in my opinion, but I think Bohm wins if he has an October appearance.

    Reply
  17. DarkSide830

    5 years ago

    love the appreciation for Abreu

    2
    Reply
  18. Rodney02031990

    5 years ago

    That’s bullcrap al rookie of the year should definitely be willi Castro from the tigers his numbers are better than Kyle Lewis for sure besides homeruns and Definitely shouldn’t matter if you were on a bad team or not.

    Reply
    • Monkey’s Uncle

      5 years ago

      #Run-onRodney

      1
      Reply
  19. bravesfan

    5 years ago

    Freeman should win MVP without a question and there truly isn’t a close 2nd. Anyone voting for anyone besides Freeman is voting purely on the story rather they the impact they made with their performance on the baseball field. And anyone who attempts to argue the defensive metrics needs to go away.

    4
    Reply
    • Loling @ you

      5 years ago

      Again this comment showcases the common casual fan. Overvaluing offense over everything else. Chicks and chads dig the long ball.

      5
      Reply
    • User 355748524

      5 years ago

      Tatis Jr. should win MVP without a question and there truly isn’t a close 2nd. Anyone voting for anyone besides Tatis Jr. is voting purely on the story rather they the impact they made with their performance on the baseball field. And anyone who attempts to argue the offensive metrics needs to go away.

      Reply
      • Loling @ you

        5 years ago

        I’m not saying it’s a clear cut winners the same argument could be made for betts who has the best war with a 3.4 compared to freeman 2.9 and tatis 2.2. Looking solely at ops + gives the edge to freeman but again baseball is both sides of the ball and theres a reason why betts is up for the gold glove in right field.

        Reply
        • User 355748524

          5 years ago

          baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/percentile-rank…

          I prefer using Statcast, as it is owned and used by MLB as opposed to baseball reference and similar websites.

          Freeman was the best offensively overall, Tatis Jr. was the best defensively and in barreling up the baseball, whilst Betts was probably the best well rounded player (just above Trea Turner by defense alone).

          Everyone has their own lenses though, so I’m not preaching the universal truth but instead my own opinion.

          1
          Reply
        • Loling @ you

          5 years ago

          I agree the argument for betts or tatis, but Freeman is just a bat although a great one his impact in the field is pretty non existent. Betts literally saved Dodgers in playoffs against freeman and Braves!

          Reply
        • DTD_ATL

          5 years ago

          The fact that you used WAR pretty much voids your opinion since it’s a made up stat that can’t be proven.

          Reply
        • DTD_ATL

          5 years ago

          Plus, if you think GG first baseman don’t have an impact, you know nothing about the game. I’m sure the pitchers and infielders appreciate the great plays and all the errors saved and the runs they keep off the board.

          Reply
        • Prospectnvstr

          5 years ago

          How many balls do 1st basemen scoop out of the dirt, pick errant throws? The semi wild throws from shortstops and 3rd basemen wouldn’t be highlights if it wasn’t for the 1st basemen adjusting to the throw.

          Reply
        • bravesfan

          5 years ago

          First, y’all are placing way too much value on defense. 2nd, y’all are undervaluing Freeman defense. Freeman was a difference maker on the field for the braves this year, yes I understand he’s not an OF or SS, but at the professional level, most players are decent defensively but the same can’t be said with the bat. From what I can see, only betts might have the defense that might help lift is lack of offensives productions (compared to Freeman, because betts still killed it) to make it an argument. Tatis just didn’t perform with the bat at the same lvl and although his glove is good, it’s not enough to justify the lack of production at the plate to be an MVP. If I have to get off my homer train, it’s betts or Freeman… but even then Freeman’s production was just sooooooo good I can’t justify Betts defense enough to say he’s an mvp.

          Reply
  20. Loling @ you

    5 years ago

    This league really overvalues offense over being the best overall player. Betts gets no love when he was clearly the best in baseball, making crazy catches, hitting, stealing and hitting homers. Respect to Freddie, but Mlb is becoming a 1 dimensional sport.

    1
    Reply
    • MoRivera 1999

      5 years ago

      Betts gets no love? Betts got $365MM in love. That’s Trout love. That’s plenty. That’s enough.

      Reply
    • bravesfan

      5 years ago

      Yea, there are 365 million reasons your statement is completely false and quite outrageous. You’re placing too much value on defense. Yes, betts is great. But runs are what win games. There is no way he has betts has saved enough runs with his glove to justify the clear difference in offensive production between him and betts. Yes, MVP should consider both defense and offensive production… but as a cumulative whole… not a equal weighted avg. Unless there is no other option, there is a reason teams don’t start guys who are amazing with the glove but are literally an automatic out at the plate for the entire season on the entire roster. However, they do play bats that can produce when defense is a real concern for those players. It’s because defense isn’t equally as important as offense…

      Reply
  21. AngelDiceClay

    5 years ago

    In a ceremony conducted at the empty Polaroid Theater in Hollywood for later broadcast on FOX.

    The winners of the following awards as follows….
    Cheatum if you cant Beatum Award
    Winner-The entire 2020 Houston Astros team.

    The Randy Watson Award for Best Hair….
    Fernando Tatis Mr. Tatis also scored a lifetime supply Soul Glo. And front seats to a future Randy Watson Concert.

    The Drano “Clog Up The Base Path Award”
    Winner- Albert Pujols (5th year in a row)

    The Ron Burgundy “San Diego Hates Your Guts Award”
    Winner- Dodger Manager Dave Roberts.

    (Last years winner Will Meyers not was present to hand out the award)

    1
    Reply
  22. DirtbagBlues

    5 years ago

    Freeman was Player of the Year (as in, all of MLB) not NL Player of the Year. How would that even differ from NL Outstanding Player?

    Reply
  23. 30 Parks

    5 years ago

    Met Andre Dawson when I was a kid. It was at the Big O. The Hawk stood and talked to me about my little league team for several minutes. Class guy and great choice for such an award.

    Reply
  24. 2020WorldChampions

    5 years ago

    What I want to know is, Who is the imbecil at Rawlings that dropped the XL Deuce in the punch bowl by picking Brandon Belt over Freddie ?

    Reply
  25. GarryHarris

    5 years ago

    If MLB went an entire season, maybe TBR Randy Arozarena and PIT Ke’Bryan Hayes are ROY. This is my Rookie All-Star Team:

    C OAK Sean Murphy
    1B LAA Jared Walsh
    2B SDP Jake Cronenworth
    3B PHI Alec Bohm
    SS DET Willi Castro
    OF SEA Kyle Lewis
    OF BAL Ryan Mountcastle
    OF CHI Luis Robert

    SP ATL Ian Anderson
    RP MIL Devin Williams

    3
    Reply
    • Peart of the game

      5 years ago

      Interesting, who would fill out the rest of your rotation, bullpen and bench?

      Reply
  26. chippahawk

    5 years ago

    Freeman: thank you Ozuna

    Reply

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