The Championship Series (LCS/NLCS) have crowned 49 MVPs since 1969, when they were first played. These players didn’t just earn their ticket to the World Series: they left their mark with batting averages above .300, clutch home runs, and defensive performances that defined October baseball.
When Did the Award Start?
The American League and National League began playing Championship Series in 1969 to determine who would face the Atlanta Braves in that year’s World Series. Since then, October has delivered epic matchups. The first MVP in history was Hank Bauer with the Baltimore Orioles (ALCS 1969), who batted .414 in that series.
Players with Multiple Championship Series MVP Awards
Some names appear more than once on the honor roll. George Springer won two Championship MVPs (2017 with the Astros, .379 AVG; 2021 with the Astros, .353 AVG). David Ortiz also earned two (2004 and 2013 with the Red Sox). These players demonstrated consistency under pressure when it mattered most.
Individual Records in a Single Series
The MVP award doesn’t always go to the highest average—sometimes it rewards total impact. Juan Soto won the 2024 NLCS MVP with the Mets, batting .288 but with 2 home runs in a six-game series. Meanwhile, Corey Seager (NLCS 2020, Dodgers) batted .400 with 2 HR in 7 games, a display of pure offensive power when it counts.
Pitchers Who Dominated October
It’s not all about hitting. Mariano Rivera won the 2009 ALCS MVP with a 0.00 ERA across 3 appearances, saving every game he touched. Corey Kluber (ALCS 2016, Indians) threw 6 scoreless innings in the clinching game, cementing his October legacy.
| Year | Player | Team | AVG / ERA | HR / SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Juan Soto | Mets (NLCS) | .288 | 2 HR |
| 2023 | Kyle Schwarber | Phillies (NLCS) | .333 | 2 HR |
| 2021 | George Springer | Astros (ALCS) | .353 | 2 HR |
| 2020 | Corey Seager | Dodgers (NLCS) | .400 | 2 HR |
| 2009 | Mariano Rivera | Yankees (ALCS) | 0.00 ERA | 3 SV |
Why Does the Championship MVP Matter?
These awards define careers. A Championship Series MVP on the road to the World Series can be the catalyst for a title run. Fans remember Edgar Rentería (NLCS 2010, Giants) not just for his award, but for the home run that sealed the series. These moments shape legacies.
FAQ
Who was the first Championship Series MVP?
Hank Bauer with the Baltimore Orioles in the 1969 ALCS, batting .414 in the series.
How many Championship Series MVPs have there been in total?
49 since 1969 through 2024, split between the American League and National League.
Has any pitcher won a Championship MVP recently?
It’s rare, but yes. The last pitchers to win were Mariano Rivera (2009) and Corey Kluber (2016), proving that dominant pitching on the mound remains decisive in October.
Player profiles mentioned
Teams mentioned in this article
- Atlanta Braves
- Baltimore Orioles
- Houston Astros
- New York Mets
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Philadelphia Phillies
- New York Yankees
- San Francisco Giants
