The Twins announced their annual Diamond Award winners after their record-breaking 2019 season.
- Team MVP: Nelson Cruz
- Pitcher of the Year: Taylor Rogers
- Rookie of the Year: Luis Arraez
- Fielder of the Year: Byron Buxton
- Most improved: Mitch Garver
- Media Good guy: Kyle Gibson
- Upper Midwest POY: Nick Anderson
It’s probably no surprise that Cruz was team MVP. In 120 games, Cruz slashed .311/.392/.639 with 41 home runs, 26 doubles and 108 RBI.
Closer Taylor Rogers was also a shoe in for pitcher of the year after becoming Minnesota’s most reliable pitcher out of the bullpen, picking up 30 saves. Rogers struck out 90 batters, while issuing just 11 walks in just 69 innings.
Meanwhile, Arraez winning rookie of the year is extremely impressive considering he was never a top prospect and probably wasn’t on anyone’s radar to win the award in spring training.
After being called up in May and staying for good in mid June, Arraez hit .334 and would’ve qualified for a batting title if he had received more at bats.
Buxton winning fielder of the year makes sense too even though he played in just 87 games. His 10 defensive runs saved was the most on the team.
Mitch Garver’s emergence easily merited most-improved player, slugging 31 home runs in just 93 games. Lat season, Garver slashed .268/.335/.414 in 102 games while being a liability on defense.
And in case you’re wondering why Nick Anderson won upper-Midwest player of the year – despite playing for the Marlins and Rays this season – it’s because the award is given to the best player no matter who they play for.
