Bleacher Report's Complete 2017 Postseason Awards
The Houston Astros fulfilled a prophecy and won the franchise's first World Series title by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a seven-game thriller.
The showdown of two stacked squads more than met the monumental hype. Two extra-inning slugfests will forever be remembered not just for swinging the 2017 Fall Classic but also gifting viewers with heart-beating drama deep into the late-October evenings.
Homegrown stars rewarded excellent player development. A backup acquired in a seemingly inconsequential swap, an oft-injured pitcher signed to a minor league deal and an ace picked up in the final moments of August also all influenced October's proceedings.
Let's digest an exhaustingly entertaining postseason by presenting Bleacher Report's postseason awards. The entire playoff bracket factored into the criteria, but those who excelled before quick eliminations received substantially less consideration than Astros and Dodgers players.
World Series results weren't the only factors, but they tipped the scales by having more clout than the other rounds. This particularly played into the MVP pick.
Fans are probably sleepy from long nights of baseball viewing, so let's skip the red-carpet show and hand out some awards.
MVP: George Springer
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Jose Altuve jumped out to a seemingly insurmountable MVP lead, starting the playoffs with a three-homer outburst against the Boston Red Sox. He delivered four more multi-hit games before going yard again in both Game 6 and 7 American League Championship Series victories against the New York Yankees.
While he placed his indent on both extra-inning classics with pivotal home runs in Games 2 and 5, he went 6-for-31 throughout the Fall Classic. George Springer, meanwhile, kept hitting dingers.
Not just any dingers, either. Four of his five World Series homers—matching Reggie Jackson (1977) and Chase Utley (2009) for a World Series record—either tied the game or gave Houston the lead. His two-run shot in the 11th inning of Game 2 decided a 7-6 victory, and his second-inning blast stuck an early dagger into Game 7.
This is usually the point at which one says the outfielder is not the typical leadoff hitter. Let's avoid speaking in stereotypes, as he also drew five walks to reach base 16 of 34 times in the final stage. Houston couldn't have asked for better production atop the batting order.
As MLB Stat of the Day noted, Springer also set World Series records for total bases (29) and extra-base hits (eight).
Springer finished the postseason with a .292/.386/.611 slash line and six homers. While Altuve hit .310/.388/.634 with seven long balls, the World Series MVP receives extra credit for dominating during the championship round's high-pressure moments.
Honorable Mention: Jose Altuve
Although Altuve cooled down toward the end, he still submitted a superb overall body of work. For the four baseball fans (and Mike Francesa) who still needed confirmation, he sealed his status as one of baseball's superstars this postseason.
Cy Young: Justin Verlander
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The Astros annihilated Chris Sale for seven runs to commence the American League Division Series. Corey Kluber yielded nine runs in his two starts against the New York Yankees. A high-stakes relief outing ended poorly for Max Scherzer.
After coming painstakingly close to killing his unflattering postseason narrative, Clayton Kershaw squandered a 4-0 run in Game 5 of the World Series. He threw four scoreless innings in Game 7 but still finished the playoffs with a 3.82 ERA.
MLB's premier aces stumbled against elite lineups. Except for Justin Verlander.
As Houston's bullpen gave out runs in October like they were fun-size Snickers, the last-minute acquisition produced four quality starts in as many turns. He also beat Boston in Game 4 of the ALDS with 2.2 innings from the bullpen.
His best work came in the ALCS. After giving the Astros a 2-0 lead with the postseason's only complete game, he tossed seven scoreless frames in a must-win Game 6.
"These are the moments that you want to be a part of as a baseball player," Verlander said before his final World Series outing, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale. "It's everything you could ask for."
The 34-year-old registered a 2.21 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 36.2 postseason innings. Houston went 5-1 in his appearances and 6-7 when he did not pitch, so the postseason's premier pitcher also garnered MVP consideration.
He may have possessed both awards had he finished the Dodgers in Game 6.
Honorable Mention: Stephen Strasburg
Stephen Strasburg did everything in his power to finally guide the Washington Nationals beyond the National League Division Series. He went seven innings in both turns, recording 22 strikeouts with no earned runs allowed. Playing under the weather in an elimination Game 4, he dominated the Chicago Cubs to force a winner-take-all Game 5.
Platinum Glove: Alex Bregman
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While Gold Glove winners at each position are more publicized, each league also gives its best fielder the Platinum Glove. Let's adapt the same concept to B/R's postseason awards by honoring one defensive standout.
Alex Bregman would man the middle infield for most other squads, but Carlos Correa pushed the natural shortstop over to third base. It's safe to say he adjusted nicely to his new home.
In Game 7 of the ALCS, Todd Frazier hit a weak ground ball with runners at the corners. Although Bregman would not have turned a double play, he could have taken the easy out at first, letting the Yankees score the tying run to avoid larger damage.
He instead fired a perfect strike home to Brian McCann, who applied a perfect tag on Greg Bird's foot.
Watching the moment live, viewers could only cringe at his questionable aggressiveness. If the high-risk gamble failed, New York would have tied the game and kept two runners on base with one out. His bold choice instead paid dividends.
A nearly identical situation unfolded in the sixth inning of the Fall Classic's Game 4. This time, however, Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes looked doomed the moment he took off from third.
"He puts it right on the money," McCann said of Bregman after he gunned down Barnes, per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. "You can see he's been playing phenomenal defense since Day 1. Those aren't easy plays he's making look easy. I can't say enough good things about Alex."
While the 23-year-old completed the postseason hitting .208 (15-for-72), he tallied four home runs and played exceptional defense at the hot corner. He looks poised to give Houston's infield a third superstar.
Honorable Mention: Aaron Judge
In danger of getting swept by the Cleveland Indians, Aaron Judge robbed Francisco Lindor of a home run in Game 3. The Yankees saved their season with a 1-0 win and went on to complete an ALDS comeback over the defending AL champions. He later ran into the wall to save an extra-base hit in Game 3 of the ALCS.
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Best Rookie: Aaron Judge
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Only those who met MLB's rookie requirements in 2017—rather than players making their playoff debuts—were eligible for this honor. It inevitably boiled down to Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge, baseball's two standout newcomers who should each unanimously win Rookie of the Year in his respective league.
Both had postseasons with wild peaks and valleys. Judge recorded one hit and 16 strikeouts in the ALDS but fortunately received a second chance. While he struck out 11 times in 28 ALCS plate appearances, he also belted two doubles and three homers.
An extreme three-true outcome postseason led Judge to an .816 OPS despite batting .188 (9-for-48). Yankees legend Derek Jeter, rightfully remembered as a reliable playoff performer, retired with a career .832 postseason OPS.
Bellinger drew three walks to Judge's nine but briefly caught fire in the World Series. The star first baseman was hitless in the Fall Classic until notching two doubles in Game 4 and a triple and homer in Game 5.
He then struck out in seven of his last eight at-bats to break Judge's briefly owned postseason record with 29.
Both sprinkled occasional power bursts into a sea of strikeouts. Bellinger could have conquered his AL counterpart with a decent Game 6 and/or 7, but instead it's time to rise. Judge's defense secures possession of an underwhelming race.
Honorable Mention: Rafael Devers
Weeks before turning 21, Rafael Devers hit home runs in consecutive playoff games. The Red Sox went home too early for him to receive this prize, but the young third baseman has a bright future.
Best Relief Pitcher: Kenley Jansen
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Nearly the entire Dodgers bullpen qualified before the World Series. After collectively stumbling against the Astros in the Fall Classic, it's tough to pick any of them.
Game 5 placed a scarlet letter on every candidate, so there was no easy choice. As a result, Kenley Jansen prevails despite allowing a run in three consecutive appearances, two of which concluded in defeat.
The closer stumbled in two huge spots, placing the Dodgers on the losing side of two historic extra-inning battles. Before those blemishes, he had registered 13 strikeouts over nine scoreless innings.
Appearing in all four NLCS victories over the Cubs, Jansen did not cede a single baserunner.
After those World Series missteps, he recorded a perfect two-inning save to send the series to Game 7. The next night, he pitched another hitless frame against the heart of Houston's lineup.
Nobody's perfect. Even the impeccable Mariano Rivera blew a save in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. Jansen filed a 1.62 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, 20 strikeouts and three walks in 16.2 postseason innings.
Despite his major missteps, he was also a huge reason why the Dodgers made the World Series. Besides, the Astros have no reliever worth honoring.
Honorable Mentions: Kenta Maeda and Aroldis Chapman
Aside from allowing a three-run homer to Altuve in Game 5, Kenta Maeda was spotless in relief. Aroldis Chapman compiled 16 strikeouts in eight innings for New York, allowing one run and notching three saves.
Best Manager: A.J. Hinch
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Any October managerial move will be remembered for the outcome, not the process. For that simple reason, A.J. Hinch takes home the trophy.
It's virtually impossible for a skipper to look smart amid a bullpen implosion. While Hinch can't get blamed for all of his high-leverage relievers faltering, he received praise for riding the hot hands with Lance McCullers Jr. to close out the ALCS and Brad Peacock for a 3.2-inning save in Game 3 of the World Series.
Ken Giles and Chris Devenski left him no good alternatives, but Hinch adapted to the circumstances instead of using a struggling Giles simply because he's the closer. So when Charlie Morton settled into a rhythm, Hinch let the starter finish Game 7 with four innings.
In hindsight, inserting Derek Fisher as a pinch runner for McCann in the 10th inning of Game 5 seems like an easy call any armchair skipper would have made. Still, he made it, and Bregman drove the rookie replacement home to secure a monumental win.
While his stars often made him look smart, the bullpen tested his aptitude at every turn. The Astros somehow prevailed, so give Hinch a tip of the cap for guiding them through the mayhem.
Honorable Mention: Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts took the Dodgers to their first World Series since 1988. That's still pretty cool. He also arguably overextended a bullpen that led them to the Fall Classic. Blaming him for not starting Kershaw two days after the ace coughed up six runs is hindsight thinking at its worst.
Comeback Player: Brandon Morrow
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Shoulder injuries limited Brandon Morrow to 82.1 MLB innings between 2014 and 2016, and he spent most of last year ineffective in the minors. Before the Dodgers promoted him in late May, he allowed 18 runs in 20 Triple-A innings.
On the team with the highest payroll and best closer in baseball, a 33-year-old rotation flameout signed to a minor league deal became an indispensable bullpen option.
Morrow earned Roberts' trust by posting a 2.06 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 43.2 regular-season innings. According to NBC LA's Michael J. Duarte, he broke a Dodgers record by appearing in 14 of 15 postseason contests (including every World Series game), typically in high-leverage spots against Houston's elite nucleus.
"At this point, I'll throw whenever," Morrow told Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin after Game 4. "You don't know when you're going to get back to this."
Unfortunately, Roberts took Morrow at his word and turned to him one time too many. Before appearing in Game 5, he had allowed two runs in 12.1 innings and pitched four times in the previous five days.
Working his third straight day, he coughed up four hits and four runs (two homers) without recording an out. Two days later, he retired Bregman with the bases loaded and recorded two more outs to keep Game 6 close.
Morrow still receives this honor for guiding the Dodgers far despite faltering in one unfair spot. For all its highly paid veterans and prominent young stars, Los Angeles doesn't come one win shy of winning the title without him.
Honorable Mentions: Joc Pederson and Greg Bird
Left off the NLDS roster, Joc Pederson produced three home runs in six World Series games. Returning from ankle surgery in late August, Greg Bird nearly powered the Yankees to the World Series with three home runs and two doubles.
Most Improved Player: Chris Taylor
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Chris Taylor had yet to hit a home run in 256 career plate appearances when the Dodgers acquired him in June of 2016. It's safe to say the Seattle Mariners did not picture him sending the first pitch he saw during the World Series into the stands for a leadoff homer.
A subpar bench option in 2015 and 2016, he transformed into a supremely valuable player whose 4.7 WAR, per FanGraphs, ranked third on the 104-win squad behind Corey Seager and Justin Turner. He transferred that breakout into the postseason, earning NLCS MVP honors with a 1.248 OPS and 15 total bases against the Cubs.
Although he couldn't sustain such torrid production against the Astros, he delivered in tight moments. The Dodgers lost an inning later, but he extended Game 5 with a game-tying RBI single in the ninth. With Verlander dominating the ensuing elimination game, he put Los Angeles on the board with another equalizer.
Taylor registered a .380 on-base percentage, reaching at least once every game.
Per Matt Calkins of the Seattle Times, Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto called exchanging Taylor for Zach Lee—who was released by the San Diego Padres in August with 12 earned runs allowed in 12.1 major league innings—"clearly the worst deal I've ever made." Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi, meanwhile, uncovered another gem who nearly led them to a championship.
Honorable Mentions: Charlie Morton and Yasiel Puig
Nobody would have dreamed of Morton delivering huge outs in a pair of Game 7s before 2017. A low-end starter for most of his career, he blanked the Bronx Bombers for five innings to send Houston to the World Series. Following a tremendous start in a Game 4 loss, he avoided any Game 7 drama by silencing Los Angeles from the bullpen.
Before Yasiel Puig recorded just four hits in the World Series, he went 12-for-29 with six walks in the NLDS and NLCS.
Biggest Free-Agent Boost: CC Sabathia
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This award goes to the upcoming free agent who bolstered his value the most during the playoffs. Although it wasn't always pretty, CC Sabathia prevented runs in highly crucial spots.
Rather than use Sonny Gray, the Yankees turned to the 37-year-old southpaw in a winner-take-all ALDS Game 5 against Cleveland. He recorded nine strikeouts over 4.1 innings, handing his club a 3-2 advantage despite ceding a pair of fourth-inning runs.
Although he allowed four walks in his first ALCS start, the 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner kept Houston's powerful offense off the scoreboard for six frames. He didn't have his best stuff when once again tasked to pitch an elimination game but nevertheless limited the Astros to one run in 3.1 dicey Game 7 innings.
Once an overpowering ace, Sabathia has adapted to deceive batters with diminished velocity. Instead of suffering an ugly downward trajectory, he has settled into a dependable mid-level starter who submitted a 3.69 ERA in 27 regular-season starts.
At the very least, Sabathia earned a meaty one-year deal this winter. After getting eliminated by Houston, he expressed his desire to stay with the Yankees.
"This is my home," Sabathia said, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. "I want to see this thing through. This is where I want to play."
Don't expect the Evil Empire to receive a significant hometown discount.
Honorable Mentions: Masahiro Tanaka and Jay Bruce
Masahiro Tanaka has more leverage to opt out of his contract after surrendering two runs over three stellar starts against Cleveland and Houston. Jay Bruce's playoff run ended early, but he went deep twice in five ALDS games.
Best Game: World Series Game 5
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Game 2 submitted its place as an instant classic with a record five extra-inning home runs and a win probability chart that belongs in Six Flags.
“Was that not the best baseball game ever?” Bregman asked after the epic counter, per Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci.
For four days, it garnered serious consideration. It looked like a no-brainer for this postseason's Best Game prize.
Then Game 5 happened.
After one inning, the Dodgers jumped Dallas Keuchel to a 3-0 lead with Kershaw on the mound. With a 4-0 score entering the bottom of the fourth, both managers might have already started planning ahead to Game 6.
Then the Astros tied it when Yulieski Gurriel tattooed a three-run homer off the three-time Cy Young Award winner. When Bellinger responded with a three-run bomb in the fifth, Altuve quickly retorted by clearing the bases with another game-tying shot.
Twelve relievers allowed a combined 15 runs. Only Luke Gregerson and Tony Watson, who respectively faced one and two batters, did not relinquish any baserunners.
Houston appeared to end proceedings when Springer and Correa went yard off Morrow, who was running on fumes. The Dodgers had other ideas, depriving all East Coast viewers of sleep with a three-run rally in the ninth.
Bregman may have a different pick for best game ever after notching a walk-off single off Jansen.
"Just when I thought I could describe Game 2 as my favorite game of all time, I think Game 5 exceeded that and more," Hinch said of Sunday night's thriller, per ESPN.com's David Schoenfield. "It's hard to put into words all the twists and turns in that game, the emotion, doing it at home, in front of our home crowd. Just exactly what you expect to come to the park with Keuchel and Kershaw pitching."
Someone who likes pitching and defense would instead prefer Game 1, wherein Kershaw outdueled Keuchel in a crisp two-hour and 28-minute contest. Game 5 was instead pure chaos, lasting over five hours and ending in a 13-12 score.
Yet it was the type of game that left fans rooting for even more disarray. As long as they are orchestrating a new twist and turn every frame, why not play until a position player would have to pitch?
A wild action romp won't win an Oscar, but a good one is remarkably fun to watch. This marathon bout never overstayed its welcome, and bleary-eyed fans woke up the next morning giddily waiting for both teams to meet again.
Honorable Mention (beyond Game 2 of the World Series): National League Wild Card Game
The National League Wild Card Game would have taken home the honor most years. After watching a 6-0 lead shrink, the Arizona Diamondbacks scored a chaotic 11-8 win over the Colorado Rockies. They hit four doubles, including two from Ketel Marte and one from relief pitcher Archie Bradley, who had no business batting in the first place.
An unrelenting, unpredictable game proved to be a mere appetizer for the chaos ahead.
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