Bryce Harper, the Nationals’ talented and charismatic 23-year-old right fielder, won the two most significant honors of the 22 awards, which were revealed on MLB Network by hosts Brian Kenny and Dan Plesac and on MLB.com.
Rumor roundup: Dodgers pursuing Zimmermann
Friday’s deadline to set 40-man rosters brought with it a flurry of roster moves, including a pair of trades. The Tigers acquired outfielder Cameron Maybin in a deal with the Braves, while Toronto swapped Kyle Hendriks for Oakland’s Jesse Chavez. And if Friday’s rumors are any indication, there’s plenty more trades and signings on the way. Here’s a look at some of the top Hot Stove stories from around the big leagues:
Tigers acquire Maybin in trade with Braves
A decade after the Tigers drafted Cameron Maybin to be their center fielder of the future, they reacquired him to help their outfield of the present. The rangy, athletic outfielder rejoined his original organization Friday night in a trade with the Braves for left-handed reliever Ian Krol and lefty prospect Gabe Speier.
2 charts that explain Harper’s greatness
Bryce Harper just won the NL MVP unanimously, and that’s high praise — but it’s not high enough. What Harper just did is one of the best seasons of all time for any player. To do it at the age he did, well, that’s basically a golden ticket to Cooperstown.
Blue Jays swap Hendriks for A’s Chavez
The Blue Jays have been in the market for starting pitching, and their offseason shopping continued Friday night as they acquired right-hander Jesse Chavez in a trade with Oakland.
Archer awarded for social media prowess
Rays pitcher Chris Archer’s insightful social media personality has earned him an Esurance MLB Award.
Complete list of 2015 Esurance MLB Award winners
Baseball’s annual award seasons was memorable, filled with Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers and Cy Youngs. And on Friday we got the grand finale, with the presentation of the Esurance MLB Awards.
Awards shutout won’t diminish Trout’s greatness
Mike Trout is the best baseball player on the planet. That’s one of the things of which this season reminded us. Was he baseball’s best player in 2015? No, probably not.
In time for Festivus, Seinfeld earns Esurance Award
Consider this a worthwhile feat of strength: four months later, Jerry Seinfeld’s tweet has over 12,600 retweets and 11,900 likes. Never has the intersection of Seinfeld’s comedy career and Mets fandom been any more memorable.
Teams set 40-man rosters in advance of Rule 5 Draft
They are decisions every Major League organization has to make this time of year. There are only so many open spots on a 40-man roster, and every November, teams have to decide which Minor League prospects deserve one of those coveted slots.
Ferrell wins Best Celebrity Fan, gets to do what he wants
There’s no doubt Will Ferrell earned every bit of this award with blood, sweat … well, maybe just sweat. Lots and lots of sweat.
Cubs’ biggest splash may come via trade
The Cubs are expected to add starting pitching this offseason, but the route they take to achieve that goal remains uncertain.
At Marlins’ charity event, Jose deflects rumors
Marlins ace Jose Fernandez is focused on getting ready for Spring Training, and he’s not paying attention to rumors about his future in South Florida. The 23-year-old also says his agent, Scott Boras, will be part of discussions over how many innings he will throw in 2016.
Yanks reportedly eye Castro, but not for Gardner
Already linked to some of the top free-agent pitchers on this year’s market, the Cubs were mentioned Friday in a trade rumor, too. Two sources told the New York Daily News that the Yankees were open to trading outfielder Brett Gardner, and one of those sources said the team had discussed a deal with the Cubs for infielder Starlin Castro.
10 names on Hall’s Pre-Integration Era ballot
Hall of Fame season is nearing, with the Pre-Integration Era ballot to be reviewed and voted upon Dec. 7 at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn. Six former players, three executives and one of the game’s earliest organizers are among the 10 names the 16-member Pre-Integration Era Committee will consider.
Giving season opens with MLB.com Shop sale
The season of giving revs up again at the MLB.com Shop, and to get you started, a big three-day sale is under way through 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday: Buy one item and get a second for 40 percent off, plus free shipping on orders of more than $99.
Relievers heating up the rumor mill
The Hot Stove season is gaining steam, with numerous rumored transactions circulating around the big leagues. And on Thursday, relievers were the most popular subject of speculation, as several bullpen arms generated buzz among the free agents and trade targets.