Back-to-back MVP for Donaldson?

While you don’t have to go too far back in the history books to find the most recent back-to-back MVP in the American League, Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers accomplished the feat in 2012 and 2013, the rest of the list of honourees reads like a who’s who of Baseball greats.

Jimmie Foxx, Hal Newhouser, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Frank Thomas also all captured the award in consecutive years.  

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson could add his name to this impressive list if he is voted as the best player in the Junior circuit again this year by the BWAA and looking at his 2016 numbers, he could already be on his way to having a better season.

(All 2016 stats are as of July 18th, 2016)

Counting Stats

During his MVP season of 2015, Donaldson led the American League in both runs scored and runs driven in, and finished in a tie for third in home runs and fifth in hits.  He also topped the league in total bases and was 10th in walks.

Currently, Donaldson once again leads the AL in runs scored; he’s also tops in walks and is tied for the top spot in total bases.  He also sits in the top five in homers, RBIs and triples.

The Slash
 

Donaldson has been an improved hitter in all three average categories, including a major increase in on base percentage due to his increase in walks.  He is one of two American League players with an OPS over 1.000, trailing only David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, who leads with 1.085.

WAR

2015 – 8.8 (2nd)
2016 – 5.8 (1st)

The Blue Jays third baseman currently leads the American League in wins above replacement, very slightly over Mike Trout.  Jose Altuve, Robinson Cano and a tie between Manny Machado and Mookie Betts fills out the top five.

Last season when Donaldson was named the best player in the league, he finished second behind Trout in the category.

The Other Contenders

2015 – Mike Trout, Lorenzo Cain
2016 – Mike Trout, David Ortiz, Manny Machado, Jose Altuve