Josh Donaldson, Bryce Harper take home MVP awards

Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals became the youngest unanimous victor of Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Player Award, joining Josh Donaldson of the Toronto Blue Jays in claiming 2015 MVP honors on Thursday.

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.

Harper becomes the first MVP in franchise history for the Nationals, who missed out on the postseason despite an incredible season from the 23-year-old.

Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks was second to Harper, with Cincinnati Reds’ Joey Votto third.

Donaldson, a first-time victor, is the second former Auburn player to win an MVP award.

Trout had seven first-place and 22 second-place votes, as well as one third-place vote. Kansas City outfielder Lorenzo Cain finished third with 225 points.

Absent of a large lead in WAR, it’s easy to defend AL voters for giving the award to Donaldson, who was a positive contributor on defense, amassed a.297/.371/.568 batting line, 41 homers and 123 RBIs for a playoff team. He led the majors with a. 649 slugging percentage and a. 460 on-base average.

Harper also tied for the NL lead in homers (42) and had the second-best average in the NL (.330).

Harper dominated in all aspects of the game last season, hitting.

The only players to finish in the top two in National League MVP voting in four consecutive seasons: Barry Bonds and Stan Musial.

Harper was also named the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America’s NL MVP earlier today.

Donaldson had helped his previous team, the Oakland Athletics, reach the post-season three years in a row. He was the first overall draft pick at 17, in the major leagues at 19 and is now the youngest unanimous victor of an MVP award.

Donaldson said he started feeling comfortable with his new teammates by the end of spring training, but it wasn’t until an April game against the Atlanta Braves – a 6-5 10th inning victory in which he hit the winning home run – that Donaldson really considered himself a Blue Jay.

Bryce Harper began this season with one personal goal – and it had nothing to do with home runs, RBI or awards. 299 with 104 runs scored and 90 RBIs. He also smacked eight home runs and had 40 RBIs in those situations.

Both gentlemen had tremendous seasons for their respective ball clubs and Trout is going to be a perennial MVP candidate for the rest of his career.