The MVP is supposed to go to the most valuable player—simple enough, right? But in baseball, where numbers collide with narratives, not every MVP selection has aged gracefully.
From suspicious voting patterns to players winning over superior peers, the MVP has sparked more debates than any other award in baseball. Whether it’s overlooked legends, steroid-era whispers, or flat-out “how did he win that?” moments, these are the 20 MVP victories that stirred up the most controversy.
20. Miguel Tejada (2001, AL)
Tejada had a good season, but many still argue Alex Rodriguez was simply better. Voters were clearly drawn to the A’s magical 20-game win streak more than raw stats.
19. Jeff Burroughs (1974, AL)
Burroughs took home the MVP with decent numbers, but fans and analysts have long pointed to better all-around seasons by guys like Rod Carew. It felt like a case of “best player on a surprise team” over actual dominance.
18. Justin Morneau (2006, AL)
Morneau was solid, but his teammate Joe Mauer led the league in batting and played a premium position. This one felt more like a clubhouse award than a numbers one.
17. Kirk Gibson (1988, NL)
Gibson was fiery and inspirational, but he didn’t crack the top ten in many major stats. Voters clearly bought into the Hollywood script more than the spreadsheet.
16. Andre Dawson (1987, NL)
Dawson hit 49 homers, sure, but his Cubs finished dead last. Winning MVP on a last-place team didn’t sit right with a lot of people, then or now.
15. Maury Wills (1962, NL)
Wills broke the single-season stolen base record, which dazzled voters. But Willie Mays did just about everything better—except run.
14. Ivan Rodriguez (1998, AL)
Pudge had a big year behind the plate, but Pedro Martinez posted one of the most dominant pitching seasons ever. The fact that Pedro didn’t win this still drives some fans wild.
13. Don Newcombe (1956, NL)
Newcombe had a strong season, but some felt Duke Snider or Hank Aaron had more impactful years. This win raised early questions about how to value pitchers vs. position players.
12. Ryan Howard (2006, NL)
Howard mashed 58 home runs, but his Phillies didn’t make the playoffs. Albert Pujols had better all-around numbers and a stronger team resume.
11. Zoilo Versalles (1965, AL)
Versalles had a surprising year, but many felt teammate Tony Oliva or Red Sox slugger Carl Yastrzemski were more deserving. This remains one of the weirdest MVP selections ever.
10. Roger Maris (1962, AL)
Yes, he broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. But most still believe Mickey Mantle was the superior all-around player that year.
9. Jim Rice (1978, AL)
Rice had big power numbers, but his lack of walks and defense sparked backlash. Some thought Ron Guidry’s dominant season on the mound made him more deserving.
8. Willie Hernandez (1984, AL)
A reliever winning MVP always raises eyebrows. Especially when teammates like Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker were arguably just as essential to Detroit’s success.
7. Dennis Eckersley (1991, AL)
Another closer takes the MVP, and once again, it’s controversial. Some thought Frank Thomas or Kirby Puckett had stronger full-season impacts.
6. Maris (Again) Over Mantle (1960, AL)
Mantle lost this one to teammate Roger Maris the year before the home run record chase. Statheads forever argue that Mantle’s numbers were far more MVP-worthy.
5. Miguel Cabrera (2012, AL)
Cabrera won the Triple Crown, but many modern fans believed Mike Trout’s WAR and overall game had more value. This ignited a raging old-school vs. new-school debate.
4. Alex Rodriguez (2004, AL)
A-Rod had monster numbers for the last-place Rangers, but MVP? It felt hollow to many when his team’s season was irrelevant by mid-August.
3. Steve Garvey (1974, NL)
Garvey’s charisma and good looks may have helped him more than his WAR. Many believe Lou Brock’s electrifying season deserved the nod.
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2. Joe DiMaggio (1947, AL)
DiMaggio won, but many believed Ted Williams—who hit .343 with 32 homers—was robbed. Turns out, the press didn’t like Ted that much.
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1. Barry Bonds (1998, NL)
Yes, he hit 73 home runs. But the cloud of steroids hung heavy even then, making his win one of the most debated in baseball history.
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