The MLB is the oldest sports league in America, producing some of the wealthiest and well-known athletes in history. Today, the average MLB team is now worth a whopping $811 million which is 9% more than last year. Here are the six MVP winners in the Major Baseball League from 2005 to the current 2014/15 season.
Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
Nicknamed “Cutch”, the center fielder was drafted by the Pirates in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft. Cutch is a four-time All-Star and also won the National League’s MVP in 2013. Along with singing a six year contract for $51.50 million, he finished second in the National League batting average with a .327 and first in hits. Not a bad resume.
Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels
The Dominican born athlete is the first baseman for the Angels, after playing with the Cardinals for 11 seasons. Pujols remains the only player in MLB history to have a .300 batting average with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in his first 10 seasons.
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
The infamous New York Yankee is a third baseman and short stop, and is regarded as one of the best baseball players of all time. He was drafted by the Mariners after high school and soon after he was traded to the Yankees in 2004 he won two more MVP’s in his first four seasons in New York. In 2010 he became the career leader in home runs of a player with Hispanic descent. A-Rod signed a $275 million, 10-year deal with the Yankees after the 2007 season.
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
“Miggy” is the first basemen for the Tigers. He is a nine time All-Star and is known as one of the best pure hitters in all of baseball history. He entered the MLB at the young age of 20 and won the Triple Crown in batting in 2012.
Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies
Nicknamed “J-Roll”, he plays shortstop for the Phillies and has played for them for his entire career. In 2001, he became the Phillies leadoff hitter and held that role for almost ten years. This year he became the Phillies all time leader in hits.
Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
The five time National League All-Star plays first baseman for the Phillies and is known for his power. Nicknamed “The Big Piece”, he became the fastest player to reach both the 100 and 200 home run milestones in all of the major league’s history.