New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey has won the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award, while Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder has earned the same honor in the American League.
Harvey missed the entire 2014 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The young flamethrower posted a 2.71 ERA in 29 starts for the Mets and helped the team reach the World Series for the first time in 15 years.
Fielder’s 2014 season ended after just 42 games played with a herniated disc in his neck that required surgery. In 2015, Fielder hit .305 with 23 homers and 98 RBIs for the Texas Rangers. The Rangers would win the AL West but fall short of their goal by losing to the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS.
Harvey is widely considered one of the best young pitchers in baseball. He’s a part of the best young pitching staff in baseball as well. The right-hander earned this award, and it would not be surprising to see him earn a Cy Young Award in the future.
Fielder is a veteran power hitter who has finally found his niche with the Rangers. Functioning as the DH, he was far more able to sustain his health. Given his lack of defensive prowess, playing as the DH allows him to help the team without also hurting the team because he is far more suitable as an offensive threat.
Major League Baseball announced the 11th annual winners on Thursday. The awards are determined by 30 sports writers. Each team beat writer from MLB.com gets a vote.
Leave a Reply