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Boston Red Sox: Mookie Betts in good company as MVP runner-up

By Sean Penney

Sep 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) runs to first base after hitting an two run double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) runs to first base after hitting an two run double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mookie Betts fell short of capturing the AL MVP Award, but finishing in second place puts him in good company with several Boston Red Sox legends.

Sep 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) runs to first base after hitting an two run double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) runs to first base after hitting an two run double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

I really thought Mookie Betts was going to win the American League MVP Award. I’ve covered the multitude of reasons why the star outfielder for the Boston Red Sox deserved the honor, but what’s done is done. Mike Trout is our 2016 MVP and there’s no shame in finishing second to an outstanding talent that has been widely considered to be the best player in baseball since he entered the league.

Being named the runner-up for the award also puts him in pretty good company. Trout has finished second on the ballot three times in his career and the last two times that happened he followed it with a season that earned him the hardware. He’s never won two years in a row, so perhaps this is a reason to be optimistic that Betts can supplant him next season.

A look back at Red Sox history shows us that a number of iconic players for this franchise have finished as the runner-up in the MVP race. This year marked the 13th time that a Red Sox player has finished in second place for the award.

Let’s take a look at the Red Sox players that finished as a runner-up before Betts.

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