Detroit Tigers DH Victor Martinez named AL MVP Finalist

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez is among the three finalists in the AL MVP race. Joining him is Los Angeles Angels OF Mike Trout and Cleveland Indians OF Michael Brantley.

The winner will be announced on November 13th.

Martinez, 35, had a monster 2014 campaign: .409 on-base percentage (1st in AL), 28 intentional walks (1st in AL), .335 batting average (2nd in AL), 57 multi-hit games (3rd in AL), 32 home runs, 103 RBIs and a .326 batting average with runners in scoring position. (numbers courtesy of George Sipple)

This marks the first time a DH has been in the top 3 for MVP since David Ortiz in 2006. Martinez’s selection also gives the Tigers a chance to have four consecutive MVP’s as Justin Verlander won the award in 2011 and Miguel Cabrera took home back-to-back honors in 2012 and 2013.