The Most Valuable Players of the World Series: A Deep Dive

Winning a World Series is a pinnacle achievement for any Major League Baseball (MLB) player, but being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the series elevates that accomplishment further. Since 2000, a diverse array of players, from unexpected stars to future Hall of Famers, have earned this prestigious title. Their performances range from key hits to extraordinary displays of skill that define the series.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

1. Hideki Matsui (2009) - Designated Hitter, New York Yankees

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

Matsui's performance in the 2009 World Series was historic, boasting an OPS over 2.000 with a batting line of .615/.643/1.385, including three home runs and eight RBIs. His pivotal contributions led the Yankees to victory in Game 7.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

2. David Ortiz (2013) - Designated Hitter, Boston Red Sox

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

Ortiz delivered a remarkable .688/.760/1.188 batting line with two homers and six RBIs against the St. Louis Cardinals. His clutch hitting throughout the postseason solidified his reputation as a key player in high-pressure situations.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

3. George Springer (2017) - Center Fielder, Houston Astros

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

Springer showcased his postseason prowess by hitting .379/.471/1.000 in the World Series, with five home runs and seven RBIs. His performance was instrumental in the Astros' championship run.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

4. Freddie Freeman (2024) - First Baseman, Los Angeles Dodgers

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

Freeman drove in 12 runs during the 2024 World Series, despite having only six hits. His timely hitting, including a walk-off grand slam, made him a standout performer.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

5. Pablo Sandoval (2012) - Third Baseman, San Francisco Giants

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

Sandoval's .500/.529/1.125 batting line in the 2012 World Series, along with his overall postseason contributions, earned him the MVP award as the Giants swept the Kansas City Royals.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

1. Madison Bumgarner (2014) - Pitcher, San Francisco Giants

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

Bumgarner's dominance included a 0.43 ERA over 21 innings, with a complete game and a save in the decisive Game 7, leading the Giants to their third title in five years.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

2. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling (2001) - Pitchers, Arizona Diamondbacks

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

The duo shared the MVP honors in the 2001 World Series, with Johnson posting a 1.04 ERA and Schilling a 1.69 ERA, both pivotal in defeating the New York Yankees.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

3. Josh Beckett (2003) - Pitcher, Florida Marlins

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

Beckett's 1.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts over 16.1 innings helped the Marlins secure their second World Series title against the Yankees.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

4. Stephen Strasburg (2019) - Pitcher, Washington Nationals

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

Strasburg excelled in the 2019 World Series, pitching 14.1 innings with a 2.51 ERA, leading the Nationals to their first championship.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century

5. Clayton Kershaw (2025) - Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers

Bleacher Report

Kershaw's inclusion on the 2025 World Series roster, despite a mixed postseason history, highlights his potential impact on the Dodgers' title defense.

Bleacher Report

The World Series MVP award celebrates exceptional performances that can define a player's legacy. From Matsui's historic hitting to Bumgarner's pitching mastery, these athletes have left an indelible mark on baseball history, showcasing the drama and excitement that the World Series brings to fans and players alike.

10 MVPs – 5 Hitters and 5 Pitchers – Who Defined the Word Series This Century