NL’s Harper youngest unanimous MVP; Donaldson earns AL honor

NL’s Harper youngest unanimous MVP; Donaldson earns AL honor

NEW YORK (AP) — Bryce Harper became the youngest unanimous MVP winner in baseball history Thursday, capturing the NL award despite his Washington Nationals missing the playoffs.

Josh Donaldson took the AL MVP, earning the honor after helping boost the Toronto Blue Jays back into the postseason for the first time since 1993.

Harper turned 23 on Oct. 16, after the playoffs had already started. He got all 30 first-place votes from members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

The 2012 NL Rookie of the Year led the majors in slugging percentage and on-base average. The outfielder hit .330 with 42 home runs and 99 RBIs.

Donaldson received 23 first-place votes. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout got the other first-place votes finished second for the third time. Donaldson led the AL with 123 RBIs and topped the majors by scoring 122 runs. He hit 41 home runs and batted .297.