Monday, Major League Baseball announced that Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander had won the American League Most Valuable Player Award.
In addition to the MVP Award, Verlander also won the AL Cy Young last week, something that hasn’t been done since 1992 when Dennis Eckersly took home both awards.
Verlander managed to capture 13 of 28 first place votes cast by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Boston center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury came in second while Tiger first baseman Miguel Cabrera finished fifth.
Four Tigers total managed to receive votes as catcher Alex Avila finished 12th in the voting while designated hitter Victor Martinez finished 17th.
Verlander though certainly earned the MVP nomination this season.
He won the Triple Crown for AL pitchers leading the league in wins (24), ERA (2.40) and strikeouts (250). Verlander also led the American League in innings pitched (251), winning percentage (.828), opponents’ batting average (.192) and walks plus hits per inning pitched. Verlander finished with a WHIP of 0.92.
Another debate though that can finally be laid to rest was whether or not Justin Verlander is a true ace in the league.
Sure the debate is all hindsight at this point, but it was a very real argument amongst Tigers fans and the local and national media.
The only debate going forward from here is whether or not Justin Verlander is the greatest Tigers pitcher of all time?
Luckily for the Tigers and their fans Verlander has many more seasons to make his case for that title.
Ref: Mlive.com, MLB.com, detnews.com (image)