Josh Donaldson wins American League MVP Award

In an announcement that surprised nobody, the Bryce Harper and Josh Donaldson were named Most Valuable Players in National League and American League, respectively.

Although Donaldson didn’t win unanimously, he was named first or second on each of the 30 ballots cast, gaining 23 first-place votes to Trout’s seven. The third baseman got 23 first-place votes from members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

By winning the AL MVP, Donaldson edged out Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels, who after winning his first MVP last season, has fallen just short of the MVP again, much like two seasons prior when he lost to Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers.

Cain received 20 third-place votes, which placed him ahead of Baltimore third baseman Manny Machado, Houston pitcher Dallas Keuchel and Seattle slugger Nelson Cruz, who finished in the next three places behind him.

Donaldson led the Jays’ juggernaut offence all season, hitting 41 home runs, while leading the league in runs scored, runs batted in and extra-base hits. Not only was his production gaudy, but it also came at the ideal time, as Toronto surged through the season’s second half en route to the franchise’s first division title since 1993. Tonight, he was rewarded for his efforts with one of baseball’s most prestigious recognitions – the National League MVP Award. The 29-year-old won the AL MVP in his first season with the team.

Bryce Harper began this season with one personal goal – and it had nothing to do with homers, RBIs or awards. The only two hitters since the advent of the All-Star Game to put up a batting average of at least.362, an on-base percentage of at least.

Harper received all 30 first-place votes. He was awarded the NL Player of the Month in May and honored three times during the season as NL Player of the Week.

The 2012 NL Rookie of the Year led the majors in slugging percentage (.649) and on-base percentage (.460). Harper is the first player with such a season since Barry Bonds in 2004.

Mike Trout didn’t win back-to-back American League Most Valuable Player awards on Thursday night, but he still made history. His 42 home runs tied for the league lead with Nolan Arenado and his.

Harper also etched in name in the history books en route to bringing home the gold.