League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award

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The League Championship Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball (MLB) players deemed to have the most impact on their teams' performances in each of the two respective League Championship Series that comprise the penultimate round of the MLB postseason. The award is given separately for a player in both the American League Championship Series and the National League Championship Series. It has been presented in the National League (NL) since 1977, and in the American League (AL) since 1980. Dusty Baker won the inaugural award in 1977 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Frank White won the first AL award in 1980 with the Kansas City Royals. Twelve LCS MVP winners have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame: Roberto Alomar, George Brett, Dennis Eckersley, Rickey Henderson, David Ortiz, Kirby Puckett, CC Sabathia, Ozzie Smith, Mariano Rivera, Iván Rodríguez, John Smoltz, and Willie Stargell.

League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
SportBaseball
LeagueMajor League Baseball
Awarded forAnnual most valuable players of the two League Championship Series
CountryUnited States, Canada
Presented byAmerican League, National League
History
First award1977 (NL), 1980 (AL)
Most recentVladimir Guerrero Jr. (AL)
Shohei Ohtani (NL)

Three players have won the award twice: Steve Garvey (1978, 1984), Dave Stewart (1990, 1993), and Orel Hershiser (1988, 1995). Incidentally, all three of these players won their two awards with two different teams. Building off of this, Garvey is the only player to win NLCS MVP twice, Stewart the only player to win ALCS MVP twice, and Hershiser the only one to win in both leagues. Nine players have gone on to win the World Series MVP Award in the same season in which they won the LCS MVP—eight from the NL and one from the AL. Three players have won while playing for the losing team in the series: Fred Lynn played for the 1982 California Angels; Mike Scott pitched for the 1986 Houston Astros; and Jeffrey Leonard played for the 1987 San Francisco Giants. Two players have shared the award in the same year three times, all in the NL; Rob Dibble and Randy Myers for the 1990 Cincinnati Reds, the Chicago Cubs' Jon Lester and Javier Báez in 2016, and Chris Taylor and Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017.

Adam Kennedy won the 2002 ALCS MVP when he hit three home runs in a single game; he had hit 7 during the regular season and hit 80 in his 14-year career. Nelson Cruz won the award in the 2011 ALCS after hitting six home runs in the series. Adolis García won the award after having 15 RBIs during the 2023 ALCS. From the pitcher's mound, Steve Avery threw 16+1⁄3 innings without giving up a run in the 1991 NLCS, and John Smoltz amassed 19 strikeouts the following year to win MVP honours. Liván Hernández won the 1997 NLCS MVP after winning his only start and earning a win out of the bullpen in relief; he struck out 16 in 10+2⁄3 innings. Daniel Murphy won the 2015 NLCS MVP after hitting home runs in six consecutive games (including the final two games of the preceding division series), setting a major league record for consecutive postseason games with a home run. Shohei Ohtani won the 2025 NLCS MVP after hitting three home runs and pitching six shutout innings with 10 strikeouts in Game 4.

Liván Hernández (1997, NL) and his half-brother Orlando Hernández (1999, AL) are the only family pair to have won the award. The only rookies to have won the award are Mike Boddicker (1983, AL), Liván Hernández (1997, NL), Michael Wacha (2013, NL), Randy Arozarena (2020, AL) and Jeremy Peña (2022, AL).

Key

Year Links to the article about that corresponding ALCS or NLCS
†
 Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
*
 Indicates that the player won the World Series MVP Award the same year
§
 Indicates that the player's team lost the series
^
 Indicates multiple award winners in the same year
(#)
 Indicates number of times winning League Championship Series MVP at that point (if he won multiple times)

American League winners

Year Player Team Position Selected statistics Ref
1980 Frank White Kansas City Royals Second baseman
  • .545 batting average
  • 1 home run
  • 3 runs batted in
1981 Graig Nettles New York Yankees Third baseman
  • .500 batting average
  • 3 extra-base hits
  • 9 runs batted in
1982 Fred Lynn California Angels§ Outfielder
  • .611 batting average
  • 11 hits
  • 5 runs batted in
1983 Mike Boddicker Baltimore Orioles Starting pitcher
  • 1–0 record over 1 start; 1 shutout
  • 9 scoreless innings pitched
  • 14 strikeouts
1984 Kirk Gibson Detroit Tigers Outfielder
  • .417 batting average
  • 1 home run
  • 2 runs batted in
1985 George Brett† Kansas City Royals Third baseman
  • .348 batting average
  • 3 home runs
  • 5 runs batted in
1986 Marty Barrett Boston Red Sox Second baseman
  • .367 batting average
  • 11 hits
  • 5 runs batted in
1987 Gary Gaetti Minnesota Twins Third baseman
  • .300 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 5 runs batted in
1988 Dennis Eckersley† Oakland Athletics Relief pitcher
  • 4 saves over 4 appearances
  • 6 scoreless innings pitched
  • 5 strikeouts
1989 Rickey Henderson† Oakland Athletics Outfielder
  • .400 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 8 stolen bases
1990 Dave Stewart Oakland Athletics Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 2 runs allowed over 16 innings
  • 0.63 WHIP
1991 Kirby Puckett† Minnesota Twins Outfielder
  • .429 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 5 runs batted in
1992 Roberto Alomar† Toronto Blue Jays Second baseman
  • .423 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 4 runs batted in
1993 Dave Stewart (2) Toronto Blue Jays Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 3 runs allowed over 13+1⁄3 innings
  • 8 strikeouts
1994 Series cancelled due to player's strike
1995 Orel Hershiser (2) Cleveland Indians Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 2 earned runs allowed over 14 innings
  • 15 strikeouts
1996 Bernie Williams New York Yankees Outfielder
  • .474 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 6 runs batted in
1997 Marquis Grissom Cleveland Indians Outfielder
  • Game-winning home run in 8th inning of Game 2
  • 6 hits
  • 3 stolen bases
1998 David Wells New York Yankees Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 5 runs allowed over 15+2⁄3 innings
  • 18 strikeouts
1999 Orlando Hernández New York Yankees Starting pitcher
  • 1–0 record over 2 games started
  • 3 earned runs allowed over 15 innings
  • 13 strikeouts
2000 David Justice New York Yankees Outfielder
  • .824 OPS
  • 2 home runs
  • 8 runs batted in
2001 Andy Pettitte New York Yankees Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 4 runs allowed over 14+1⁄3 innings
  • 8 strikeouts
2002 Adam Kennedy Anaheim Angels Second baseman
  • .357 batting average
  • 3 home runs
  • 5 runs batted in
2003 Mariano Rivera† New York Yankees Relief pitcher
  • 1 win and 2 saves over 4 appearances
  • 1 run allowed over 8 innings
  • 6 strikeouts
2004 David Ortiz† Boston Red Sox Designated hitter
  • .387 batting average
  • 3 home runs
  • 11 runs batted in
2005 Paul Konerko Chicago White Sox First baseman
  • .286 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 7 runs batted in
2006 Plácido Polanco Detroit Tigers Second baseman
  • .529 batting average
  • 9 hits
  • 2 runs batted in
2007 Josh Beckett Boston Red Sox Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 3 runs allowed over 14 innings
  • 18 strikeouts
2008 Matt Garza Tampa Bay Rays Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 2 runs allowed over 13 innings
  • 14 strikeouts
2009 CC Sabathia† New York Yankees Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 2 runs allowed over 16 innings
  • 12 strikeouts
2010 Josh Hamilton Texas Rangers Outfielder
  • .350 batting average
  • 4 home runs
  • 7 runs batted in
2011 Nelson Cruz Texas Rangers Outfielder
  • .364 batting average
  • 6 home runs
  • 13 runs batted in
2012 Delmon Young Detroit Tigers Designated hitter
  • .353 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 5 runs batted in
2013 Koji Uehara Boston Red Sox Relief pitcher
  • 1 win and 3 saves over 5 appearances
  • 6 scoreless innings pitched
  • 9 strikeouts
2014 Lorenzo Cain Kansas City Royals Outfielder
  • .533 batting average
  • 5 runs scored
  • 8 hits
2015 Alcides Escobar Kansas City Royals Shortstop
  • .478 batting average
  • 11 hits
  • 6 runs scored
2016 Andrew Miller Cleveland Indians Relief pitcher
  • 1 save in 4 appearances
  • 0 runs allowed over 7+2⁄3 innings
  • 14 strikeouts
2017 Justin Verlander Houston Astros Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started; 1 complete game
  • 1 run allowed over 16 innings
  • 21 strikeouts
2018 Jackie Bradley Jr. Boston Red Sox Center fielder
  • 9 runs batted in
  • 2 home runs
  • 1.067 OPS
2019 Jose Altuve Houston Astros Second baseman
  • Series-winning walk-off home run
  • .348 batting average
  • 6 runs scored / 3 runs batted in
2020 Randy Arozarena Tampa Bay Rays Outfielder
  • .321 batting average
  • 4 home runs
  • 1.152 OPS
2021 Yordan Alvarez Houston Astros Designated hitter
  • .522 batting average
  • 7 runs scored / 6 runs batted in
  • 1.408 OPS
2022* Jeremy Peña Houston Astros Shortstop
  • .353 batting average
  • 7 runs scored / 5 runs batted in
  • .991 OPS
2023 Adolis García Texas Rangers Outfielder
  • 5 home runs
  • 1 grand slam
  • 15 runs batted in
2024 Giancarlo Stanton New York Yankees Designated hitter
  • 4 home runs
  • 7 runs batted in
  • 1.222 OPS
2025 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays First baseman
  • 3 home runs
  • .385 batting average
  • 1.330 OPS

National League winners

Year Player Team Position Selected statistics Ref
1977 Dusty Baker Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder
  • .357 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 8 runs batted in
1978 Steve Garvey Los Angeles Dodgers First baseman
  • .389 batting average
  • 4 home runs
  • 7 runs batted in
1979* Willie Stargell† Pittsburgh Pirates First baseman
  • .455 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 6 runs batted in
1980 Manny Trillo Philadelphia Phillies Second baseman
  • .381 batting average
  • 8 hits
  • 4 runs batted in
1981 Burt Hooton Los Angeles Dodgers Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 0 earned runs allowed over 14+2⁄3 innings
  • 1.16 WHIP
1982* Darrell Porter St. Louis Cardinals Catcher
  • .556 batting average
  • 5 hits; 3 doubles
  • 5 walks
1983 Gary Matthews Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder
  • .429 batting average
  • 3 home runs
  • 8 runs batted in
1984 Steve Garvey (2) San Diego Padres First baseman
  • .400 batting average
  • Walk-off home run in Game 4
  • 7 runs batted in
1985 Ozzie Smith† St. Louis Cardinals Shortstop
  • .435 batting average
  • Walk-off home run in Game 5
  • 3 runs batted in
1986 Mike Scott Houston Astros§ Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started; both were complete games - 1 shutout
  • 1 run allowed over 18 innings
  • 19 strikeouts
1987 Jeffrey Leonard San Francisco Giants§ Outfielder
  • .417 batting average
  • 4 home runs
  • 5 runs batted in
1988* Orel Hershiser Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher
  • 1–0 record and 1 save over 4 appearances; 3 starts - 1 shutout
  • 3 earned runs allowed over 24+2⁄3 innings
  • 15 strikeouts
1989 Will Clark San Francisco Giants First baseman
  • .650 batting average
  • 13 hits
  • 8 runs batted in
1990^ Rob Dibble Cincinnati Reds Relief pitcher
  • 1 save over 4 appearances
  • 5 scoreless innings pitched
  • 10 strikeouts
1990^ Randy Myers Cincinnati Reds Relief pitcher
  • 3 saves over 4 appearances
  • 5+2⁄3 scoreless innings pitched
  • 7 strikeouts
1991 Steve Avery Atlanta Braves Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 16+1⁄3 scoreless innings pitched
  • 17 strikeouts
1992 John Smoltz† Atlanta Braves Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 3 games started
  • 6 earned runs allowed over 20+1⁄3 innings
  • 19 strikeouts
1993 Curt Schilling Philadelphia Phillies Starting pitcher
  • 2 no-decisions over 2 games started
  • 3 earned runs allowed over 16 innings pitched
  • 19 strikeouts
1994 Series cancelled due to player's strike
1995 Mike Devereaux Atlanta Braves Outfielder
  • .308 batting average
  • 1 home run
  • 5 runs batted in
1996 Javy López Atlanta Braves Catcher
  • .542 batting average
  • 5 doubles/ 2 home runs
  • 6 runs batted in
1997* Liván Hernández Florida Marlins Starting pitcher
  • 2 wins over 2 appearances; 1 relief appearance and 1 start which was a complete game
  • 1 run allowed over 10+2⁄3 innings
  • 16 strikeouts
1998 Sterling Hitchcock San Diego Padres Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 1 run allowed over 10 innings
  • 14 strikeouts
1999 Eddie Pérez Atlanta Braves Catcher
  • .500 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 5 runs batted in
2000 Mike Hampton New York Mets Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started; 1 shutout
  • 16 scoreless innings pitched
  • 12 strikeouts
2001 Craig Counsell Arizona Diamondbacks Infielder
  • .381 batting average
  • 4 runs batted in
  • 5 runs scored
2002 Benito Santiago San Francisco Giants Catcher
  • .300 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 6 runs batted in
2003 Iván Rodríguez† Florida Marlins Catcher
  • .321 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 10 runs batted in
2004 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals First baseman
  • .500 batting average
  • 4 home runs
  • 9 runs batted in
2005 Roy Oswalt Houston Astros Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 2 runs allowed over 14 innings
  • 12 strikeouts
2006 Jeff Suppan St. Louis Cardinals Starting pitcher
  • 1–0 record over 2 games started
  • 1 run allowed over 15 innings
  • 1 home run hit in Game 3
2007 Matt Holliday Colorado Rockies Outfielder
  • .333 batting average
  • 2 home runs
  • 4 runs batted in
2008* Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 3 runs allowed over 14 innings
  • 13 strikeouts
2009 Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies First baseman
  • .333 batting average
  • 2 home runs and 8 runs batted in
  • Tied Lou Gehrig's record for most consecutive postseason games with a run batted in (8)
2010 Cody Ross San Francisco Giants Outfielder
  • .350 batting average
  • 3 home runs
  • 5 runs batted in
2011* David Freese St. Louis Cardinals Third baseman
  • .545 batting average
  • 3 home runs
  • 9 runs batted in
2012 Marco Scutaro San Francisco Giants Second baseman
  • .500 batting average
  • 14 hits
  • 4 runs batted in
2013 Michael Wacha St. Louis Cardinals Starting pitcher
  • 2–0 record over 2 games started
  • 13+2⁄3 scoreless innings pitched
  • 13 strikeouts
2014* Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants Starting pitcher
  • 1–0 record over 2 games started
  • 3 runs allowed over 15+2⁄3 innings
  • 12 strikeouts
2015 Daniel Murphy New York Mets Infielder
  • .529 batting average
  • 4 home runs
  • 6 runs batted in
  • Major league record for hitting home runs in 6 consecutive playoff games.
2016^ Jon Lester Chicago Cubs Starting pitcher
  • 1–0 record over 2 games started
  • 2 runs allowed over 13 innings
  • 9 strikeouts
2016^ Javier Báez Chicago Cubs Infielder
  • .368 batting average
  • 7 hits; 4 doubles
  • 5 runs batted in
2017^ Justin Turner Los Angeles Dodgers Third baseman
  • 1.402 OPS
  • 6 runs batted in
  • Walk-off home run to win Game 2
2017^ Chris Taylor Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder
  • 1.221 OPS
  • 3 runs batted in
  • 2 home runs
2018 Cody Bellinger Los Angeles Dodgers First baseman
  • 1 home run
  • 4 runs batted in
  • Walk-off single to win Game 4
2019 Howie Kendrick Washington Nationals Second baseman
  • .333 batting average (5-for-15)
  • 4 runs batted in
  • 4 runs scored
2020* Corey Seager Los Angeles Dodgers Shortstop
  • 11 runs batted in
  • 5 home runs
2021 Eddie Rosario Atlanta Braves Outfielder
  • .560 batting average
  • 9 runs batted in
  • 3 home runs
  • 1.647 OPS
2022 Bryce Harper Philadelphia Phillies Designated hitter
  • .400 batting average
  • 5 runs batted in
  • 2 home runs
  • 1.250 OPS
2023 Ketel Marte Arizona Diamondbacks Second baseman
  • .387 batting average
  • 3 runs batted in
  • .987 OPS
  • Walk-off single to win Game 3
2024 Tommy Edman Los Angeles Dodgers Shortstop
  • .407 batting average
  • 11 hits
  • 11 runs batted in
  • 1.023 OPS
2025 Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Dodgers Designated hitter /
Starting pitcher
  • 6 scoreless innings pitched and 3 home runs in Game 4
  • 10 strikeouts
  • .357 batting average (5-for-14)
  • 1.643 OPS

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