Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Baseball’s MVP award is one of the sport’s highest honors, but sometimes the voters don’t quite get it right. Here’s a look at the most controversial and debatable MVP selections in baseball history, where statistics and historical analysis suggest other players may have been more deserving of the award.
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus, we'll send you other unbelievable stories from baseball's past.
1. Justin Morneau’s Controversial 2006 AL MVP Win Over Derek Jeter
Despite posting solid numbers with a .321 average and 34 home runs, Morneau’s selection raised eyebrows across the baseball world. Derek Jeter’s superior season (.343 average, 118 runs, 34 stolen bases) and significantly higher WAR (5.6 vs 4.3) made this one of the most debated MVP decisions in recent history. Many analysts still argue that Jeter’s contributions to the division-winning Yankees were more valuable.
2. Willie Hernandez: The Questionable Relief Pitcher MVP of 1984
Hernandez’s MVP win in 1984 sparked debate about the value of relief pitchers in MVP voting. While his numbers were impressive (9-3, 32 saves, 1.92 ERA), he only pitched 140.1 innings. His teammate Alan Trammell had a stellar season with Gold Glove defense and strong offensive numbers, while Cal Ripken Jr. also put up MVP-worthy stats.
3. Marty Marion’s Defense-First 1944 NL MVP Award
Marion’s MVP selection highlighted the overvaluation of defense in that era. With modest offensive numbers (.267 average, 6 HR, 63 RBI), his win over Bill Nicholson, who led the league with 33 home runs and 122 RBIs, remains controversial. Marion’s award was largely based on his defensive prowess at shortstop and his team’s success.
4. Jim Konstanty: The Surprising Relief Pitcher MVP of 1950
Konstanty’s MVP win marked another instance where a reliever triumphed over everyday players. Despite his solid season (16-7, 22 saves, 2.66 ERA), Stan Musial’s outstanding year (.346 average, 28 HR, 109 RBI) was arguably more deserving. This award highlighted the ongoing debate about the relative value of specialists versus everyday players.
5. Roger Peckinpaugh’s Puzzling 1925 AL MVP Victory
Peckinpaugh’s MVP season statistics (.294, 4 HR, 64 RBIs) pale in comparison to Al Simmons’ remarkable year (.387, 24 HR, 129 RBIs). This award decision seemed to prioritize team success and leadership over individual performance, as Peckinpaugh’s Senators won the pennant that year.
6. Mickey Cochrane’s 1934 AL MVP Over Lou Gehrig
Cochrane’s MVP win with modest numbers (.320 average, 2 HR, 76 RBI) over Lou Gehrig’s monster season (.363 average, 49 HR, 165 RBI) remains one of the most controversial MVP decisions. Voters seemed swayed by Cochrane’s dual role as player-manager of the pennant-winning Tigers rather than pure performance.
7. George Burns’ 1926 AL MVP: The Babe Ruth Oversight
Burns won the MVP despite Babe Ruth having another legendary season. While Burns hit .358 with 64 RBIs, Ruth posted extraordinary numbers (.372, 47 HR, 146 RBI). This controversial decision was influenced by an archaic rule that made previous winners ineligible for the award.
8. Jeff Burroughs’ Questionable 1974 AL MVP Selection
Burroughs’ MVP season (.301 average, 25 HR, 118 RBI) was solid but unspectacular. Rod Carew’s superior batting average (.364) and overall performance, along with Reggie Jackson’s powerful season (29 HR, 93 RBI in fewer games), made this selection particularly controversial.
9. Dick Groat’s Debatable 1960 NL MVP Win
Groat’s MVP win, based largely on his league-leading .325 batting average, overshadowed Willie Mays’ superior all-around season (.319, 29 HR, 103 RBI, Gold Glove defense). Ernie Banks’ powerful campaign (41 HR, 117 RBI) also presented a strong case, suggesting team success heavily influenced voters.
10. Zoilo Versalles’ Surprising 1965 AL MVP Award
Versalles captured the MVP with modest offensive numbers (.273, 19 HR, 77 RBI) while stronger candidates like Tony Oliva and Rocky Colavito posted better offensive seasons. Carl Yastrzemski’s all-around excellence was also overlooked, as voters seemed swayed by Versalles’ defense and his role on the pennant-winning Twins.