The AL MVP race has produced a remarkably diverse mix of stars over the past decade. From massive home run seasons to two-way dominance, the award has showcased players who shaped entire seasons, and, in some cases, baseball history. Here’s a simple look back at the last 10 winners and what made each year stand out.
Aaron Judge – 2025
Oct 8, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts to striking during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Judge grabbed his third MVP in four years, proving he’s still the most feared bat in the league. Another season of elite power, elite on-base skills, and steady leadership made the choice feel obvious.
Aaron Judge – 2024
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) makes a fielding error during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
In 2024, Judge won it unanimously. He hammered 58 homers, carried the Yankees’ lineup, and looked every bit like the face of the AL.
Shohei Ohtani – 2023
Shohei Ohtani in New York. | Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Before moving full-time to hitting, Ohtani delivered another year of two-way excellence. He slugged his way through the league while also dominating on the mound, showing just how rare his all-around impact truly is.
Aaron Judge – 2022
Aaron Judge at the Championship Series – New York Yankees v Houston Astros – Game Two | Tom Pennington/GettyImages
Judge’s 62-homer season became instant baseball lore. Breaking the AL home run record earned him the MVP by a landslide and cemented one of the great offensive seasons of the modern era.
Shohei Ohtani – 2021
Shohei Ohtani at Chicago White Sox v Los Angeles Angels | Harry How/GettyImages
Ohtani’s 2021 MVP felt like a moment we’ll talk about for generations. Hitting like a cleanup hitter while pitching like an ace, it was baseball’s unicorn season, and it changed the way we view the sport.
José Abreu – 2020
Apr 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros first base José Abreu (79) reaches for a throw at first base during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
In a chaotic, shortened year, Abreu was rock-solid for the White Sox. He hit for average, drove in runs in bunches, and became the steadying force behind Chicago’s breakout season.
Mike Trout – 2019
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels v San Francisco Giants | Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Another year, another MVP for Trout. His all-around game with power, patience, and defense made him a constant threat. Even in a season cut short by injury, he was still the league’s best player.
Mookie Betts – 2018
Oct 28, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning in game five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Betts put up a complete superstar season in 2018: hitting .346, flashing elite defense, and impacting the game in every possible way. It was one of the most well-rounded MVP years of the decade.
José Altuve – 2017
Sep 24, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) flips his bat before the start of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Altuve’s consistent hitting and tone-setting energy made him the engine of Houston’s lineup. He hit .346, stole bases, and seemed to come up big anytime his team needed it.
Mike Trout – 2016
Mike Trout at Houston Astros v Los Angeles Angels | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/GettyImages
Even back in 2016, Trout was already redefining what an MVP résumé looks like. Power, speed, defense… every phase of his game clicked as he captured his second career MVP.
Final Word
Shohei Ohtani | Kyle Rivas/GettyImages
A decade of AL MVPs tells a pretty clear story: the league has been dominated by superstars who carried eras. Whether it’s Judge’s towering power, Ohtani’s impossible versatility, or Trout’s steady brilliance, each year gave baseball something unforgettable.