Since Zoilo Versalles, the Cuban shortstop for the Minnesota Twins, became the first Latin American-born player to win a Major League MVP award in 1965, through Ronald Acuña Jr.‘s win in 2023, Latino representation at baseball’s highest individual honor has grown steadily. Nearly six decades later, more than a dozen players born in Latin America have reached that pinnacle.
The Pioneer Era: Versalles and Clemente
Zoilo Versalles of Cuba opened the door in 1965 with a .273 average and 19 home runs. Just three years later, Roberto Clemente, the legendary right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates born in Puerto Rico, became the second Latino to claim the award in 1966. Clemente wasn’t just an outstanding hitter—he finished his career with 3,000 hits—he redefined what it meant to be a Latino star in the majors.
The 1960s and 70s Surge: Cepeda and Carew
Orlando Cepeda, the «Cha Cha» from Puerto Rico, won the MVP in 1967 with the St. Louis Cardinals, batting .325 with 25 home runs. A decade later, Rod Carew, born in Panama, dominated the 1970s and 80s: he won the MVP in 1977 with the Minnesota Twins, the year he batted .388, one of the finest offensive seasons in the modern era.
The Superstar Era: Pujols and Cabrera
Albert Pujols, born in the Dominican Republic, became the third player to win three MVP awards (2005, 2008, 2009) with the St. Louis Cardinals. His consistency over nearly two decades placed him among the greatest hitters of all time, with 703 career home runs. Miguel Cabrera, also from the Dominican Republic, won the Triple Crown in 2012—batting .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBIs—and claimed the MVP that year with the Detroit Tigers, an achievement unseen since 1967.
The Recent Winners: Acuña Jr. and Beyond
Ronald Acuña Jr., born in Venezuela, claimed the National League MVP in 2023 with the Atlanta Braves. At 25 years old, Acuña became the youngest MVP winner since 1954, cementing a dynasty of Latino talent that continues to make history.
| Player | Country | MVP Year(s) | Team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoilo Versalles | Cuba | 1965 | Minnesota Twins |
| Roberto Clemente | Puerto Rico | 1966 | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Orlando Cepeda | Puerto Rico | 1967 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Rod Carew | Panama | 1977 | Minnesota Twins |
| Albert Pujols | Dominican Republic | 2005, 2008, 2009 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Miguel Cabrera | Dominican Republic | 2012 | Detroit Tigers |
| Ronald Acuña Jr. | Venezuela | 2023 | Atlanta Braves |
FAQ
How many MVPs have Latino players won in total?
Since 1965 through 2023, players born in Latin America have claimed more than a dozen MVP awards in the majors. Albert Pujols leads with three, followed by several players with one each.
Who was the first Latino to win an MVP award?
Zoilo Versalles, the Cuban shortstop for the Minnesota Twins, was the first in 1965. His victory opened doors for generations of Latino talent to follow.
Is Ronald Acuña Jr. the youngest Latino MVP winner?
Yes. At 25 years old in 2023, Acuña became the youngest MVP winner since 1954, proving that the next wave of Latino superstars is already here.
