Josh Donaldson Wins AL Outstanding Player at 2015 Players Choice Awards

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson had a magnificent 2015 campaign that put him in the running for the 2015 American League MVP award.

It therefore comes as little surprise that Donaldson's peers recognized him Monday as the AL's Outstanding Player at the Players Choice Awards, the MLB announced:

Donaldson posted a slash line of .297/.371/.568 at the dish this season with 41 home runs and an AL-best 123 RBI to help the Blue Jays to an AL East title and Championship Series berth.

The other finalists, Mike Trout and Nelson Cruz, didn't play in the postseason, which bolstered Donaldson's case for Outstanding Player honors in the AL. He built on two solid years in Oakland and made the most of his opportunity to move to a legitimate contender in 2015.

In comparing Donaldson to the other finalists, he had the most positive defensive impact with regard to Wins Above Replacement.

Donaldson registered a 1.5 defensive WAR rating in 2015, while Trout was at 1.0 and Cruz had a considerably worse showing at minus-1.8. Trout did have a ridiculous 8.9 offensive WAR, compared to Donaldson's 7.7, but the latter's number is arguably more impressive considering he was part of a team that ranked first in the MLB in runs scored.

Although Toronto has a number of key free agents to attend to this offseason, it can at least count on Donaldson to stick around.

His arrival with the Jays provided legitimate hope for the team to make a World Series run. If he continues his high level of play, Toronto will become an increasingly attractive destination for marquee players and will provide incentive for the Blue Jays hitting the open market to re-sign.

Making the situation all the more favorable for the Jays is the fact that Donaldson is still under arbitration for an additional three years. The team could extend him a long-term offer before that period expires, but Donaldson's favorable contract situation will help the payroll as Toronto hopes to build a roster ultimately capable of hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy.
 

Note: Advanced stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

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