When DJ LeMahieu signed with the Yankees before the 2019 season, there was no concern about the bright lights serving as a distraction. From Day 1, the sweet-swinging infielder showed up with his focus set upon collecting hits, snatching grounders and winning ballgames.
The Bombers’ most indispensable performer in each of the past two seasons, LeMahieu finished third in voting for the American League Most Valuable Player Award, as announced Thursday on MLB Network. Votes were cast by eligible members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
José Abreu of the White Sox and José Ramírez of the Indians finished ahead of LeMahieu, who is currently a free agent but said that he has savored playing in New York.
“I enjoy it,” LeMahieu said. “Every game feels like a big game. You feel like you’re in the spotlight. You’re not getting away with anything in New York. I just feel like it’s a city that loves baseball, and baseball is my passion. I feel like it’s a good fit.”
Abreu received 21 of 30 possible first-place votes while collecting 374 points, with Ramírez collecting eight first-place votes en route to a tally of 303 points. LeMahieu received one first-place vote, five second-place votes and 15 third-place votes for 230 points.
One of four players to appear on every ballot, LeMahieu had three fourth-place votes, two fifth-place votes, three sixth-place votes and one eighth-place vote. All votes were cast prior to the postseason.
2020 AL MVP: José Abreu, White Sox
Full voting details: https://t.co/xNqRHmqYa7 pic.twitter.com/v3txx8ZSaw
— BBWAA (@officialBBWAA) November 12, 2020
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].