Can You Identify These MLB MVP and Cy Young Winners Since the Year 2000?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify These MLB MVP and Cy Young Winners Since the Year 2000?
Image: Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III

About This Quiz

Baseball players work their entire lives for a shot at playing the sport on the professional level. The players who started playing at an early age probably received numerous awards and trophies growing up, from game balls in Little League to high school All-County selections. Of course, none of those honors are as valuable as receiving one of MLB's most prestigious awards, recognizing the greatest players on the planet. 

Two of the highest honors a player can receive in MLB are the Most Valuable Player award, given to the best player in each league throughout a season, and the Cy Young Award, given to the best pitcher in each league across a season. These awards separate the athletes between those who are roster fillers needed to complete a professional team and all-time greats who will probably end up in the Hall of Fame when all is said and done. 

Now, here's your chance to test your knowledge on those all-time greats who have defined the new millennium. Will you be able to identify them from an image, or are those early 2000s stars going to be your downfall?

It's time to see how well your knowledge stacks up against the competition. Get enough questions right, and you just might get your own MVP award.

Vladimir Guerrero
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
What's the name of this slugger who won the 2004 AL MVP?
Jeff Kent
Chipper Jones
Vladimir Guerrero
Joe Mauer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A nine-time All-Star and eight-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Vladimir Guerrero was selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018. He was a second ballot selection, receiving 92.9 percent of the vote.

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Alex Rodriguez
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Are you familiar with this American League slugger who won the MVP in 2003?
Alex Rodriguez
Jeff Kent
Jason Giambi
Miguel Tejada
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alex Rodriguez earned a spot in the All-Star Game for three different teams during his lengthy career. He finished that career with 14 All-Star appearances, with his final selection coming in 2011.

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Clayton Kershaw
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
How well do you know this award-winning pitcher who has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Clayton Kershaw
Jake Peavy
Brandon Webb
R.A. Dickey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Clayton Kershaw has not only won three NL Cy Young Awards but also won the 2014 NL MVP. That season, Kershaw led the National League in wins and ERA while also pitching a no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies.

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Ryan Howard
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
You might recognize which player shown here as the winner of the 2006 NL MVP?
Ryan Howard
Jeff Kent
Jason Giambi
Ivan Rodriguez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ryan Howard exploded onto the scene after his MLB debut in 2004, becoming one of the fastest players to hit 100 home runs and earn 1,000 runs batted in. However, injuries eventually took their toll on the slugger, and he was out of the league by 2016.

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Dustin Pedroia
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
The winner of the 2008 AL MVP, which second baseman do you see in this image?
Jimmy Rollins
Jeff Kent
Dustin Pedroia
Chipper Jones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dustin Pedroia had an outstanding rookie season in 2007 where he put together a 13-game hitting streak among other accomplishments. His play that season earned him the AL Rookie of the Year award.

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Pedro Martinez
Wiki Commons by Jim Accordino
The 2000 AL Cy Young Award winner is a Hall of Famer. What's his name?
Dennis Eckersley
Greg Maddux
Pedro Martinez
John Smoltz
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pedro Martinez helped the Boston Red Sox win the 2004 World Series, the team's first World Series title since 1918. The losing streak was known as the "Curse of the Bambino" because the Red Sox hadn't won a title since trading Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees.

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Roger Clemens
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Do you know this MLB pitcher who was honored with the 2001 AL Cy Young Award?
Roger Clemens
Pedro Martinez
Roy Halladay
CC Sabathia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After winning his first Cy Young Award in 1986, Roger Clemens went on to win six more by 2004. His accomplishments, however, have been tainted by his association with the steroid era in baseball, which has kept him out of the Hall of Fame so far.

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Felix Hernandez
Wiki Commons by LiAnna Davis
The winner of the 2010 AL Cy Young Award, do you know this pitcher?
Barry Zito
Felix Hernandez
Jake Arrieta
Rick Porchello
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nicknamed "King Felix," the Seattle Mariners named a section of their stadium at Safeco Field "King's Court" to honor their star pitcher. The section is located in foul territory on the left-field side of the stands.

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Bartolo Colon
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
Can you name this AL Cy Young Award winner who recorded 21 wins in 2005?
Barry Zito
Bartolo Colon
Pat Hentgen
Johan Santana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though he hasn't officially retired, Bartolo Colon's career has been one of considerable length with accomplishments spread throughout. Debuting in 1997, the gifted pitcher made his first of four All-Star Games in 1998, but he didn't hit his first home run until 2016 when he was 42 years old.

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CC Sabathia
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Which Cy Young Award winner from 2007 is this?
C.C. Sabathia
Barry Zito
Johan Santana
Bartolo Colon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

C.C. Sabathia has been one of the best left-handed pitchers in the game for nearly 20 years. A member of the 3,000 strikeout club, he has twice led the majors in wins while also earning six All-Star nods.

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Johan Santana
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Is this winner of two AL Cy Young Awards a player you recognize?
Johan Santana
Barry Zito
Felix Hernandez
David Price
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The winner of two AL Cy Young Awards, Johan Santana completed a Triple Crown in 2006, the year he won his second award. A pitcher earns a Triple Crown when they lead the league in wins, strikeouts and earned run average.

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David Price
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Were you watching baseball in 2012 when this pitcher won the AL Cy Young Award?
Rick Porcello
David Price
Blake Snell
Dallas Keuchel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Price put up his best numbers during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers, but he wasn't able to capture a World Series title until he joined the Boston Red Sox. In 2018, Price helped the Red Sox defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in a five-game World Series.

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Jimmy Rollins
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Who is this well-rounded shortstop who won multiple awards including an MVP in 2007?
Justin Morneau
Jimmy Rollins
Jason Giambi
Juan Gonzalez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After earning the NL MVP in 2007, Jimmy Rollins helped the Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series in 2008. During the series, he recorded five hits and scored four runs, though his batting average was only .227.

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Miguel Tejada
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
A six-time All-Star at shortstop, who is this American League MVP?
Juan Gonzalez
Ivan Rodriguez
Jason Giambi
Miguel Tejada
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2002, Miguel Tejada helped the Oakland Athletics reach the playoffs by winning the Western Division title after hitting 34 home runs. The Athletics roster, which supposedly had no stars on it, was featured in a book titled "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game."

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Barry Bonds
Wiki Commons by Jim Accordino
Can you identify the 2002 NL MVP?
Chipper Jones
Jeff Kent
Sammy Sosa
Barry Bonds
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Barry Bonds was the first player to beat the career home run record previously held by Hank Aaron. He also set the single-season home run record when he knocked 73 out the park in 2001, but this record is clouded by the steroid scandal.

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Ichiro Suzuki
Wiki Commons by Andy Witchger
One of the greatest hitters in baseball history, who won the AL MVP in 2001?
Barry Bonds
Alex Rodriguez
Ichiro Suzuki
Ken Griffey Jr.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ichiro Suzuki finished his career with an incredible batting average at .353. Considering he played until he was 45, he probably would have beaten the all-time hit record if he hadn't spent the first half of his professional career in Japan.

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Miguel Cabrera
Wiki Commons by Cbl62
You might know which first baseman shown here for winning back-to-back MVPs?
Miguel Cabrera
Manny Machado
Francisco Lindor
Nolan Arenado
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Miguel Cabrera is a home run threat anytime he steps up to the plate for an at-bat. During his career, he knocked over 450 balls over the back fence while helping his team score over 1,600 runs.

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Mike Trout
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
Can you identify this winner of the 2014 AL MVP?
Bryce Harper
Mike Trout
Joe Mauer
Jason Giambi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Leading into the 2019 season, Mike Trout became the highest-paid player in baseball history when he signed a 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The contract was worth $426 million.

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Joey Votto
Wiki Commons by Blackngold29
Few NL MVPs are as accomplished as which one depicted in this image?
Joe Mauer
Jeff Kent
Buster Posey
Joey Votto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joey Votto has been a member of the Cincinnati Reds since he debuted in 2007. Prior to entering the majors, Votto was drafted with the 44th overall pick in the 2002 MLB draft by his current team.

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Buster Posey
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
Are you familiar with this catcher who has earned just about every honor imaginable in MLB?
Buster Posey
Kris Bryant
Jeff Kent
Chipper Jones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After a devastating injury in 2011 from a home plate collision with Scott Cousins, Buster Posey was forced to miss most of the season. However, he was able to return in 2012 better than ever, earning both the NL MVP and NL Comeback Player of the Year award.

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Randy Johnson
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
In 2000, which pitcher from the National League won his second of four straight Cy Young Awards?
Greg Maddux
Randy Johnson
Tom Glavine
Roy Halladay
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carrying the nickname "The Big Unit," Randy Johnson towered from the pitching mound at 6 feet, 10 inches. His size benefited his game, as he consistently threw over 100 miles per hour.

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Justin Verlander
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Have you kept up with baseball long enough to identify this accomplished right-handed pitcher?
Corey Kluber
Greg Maddux
Justin Verlander
Brandon Webb
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

justin Verlander's 2011 season was one for the ages. The right-handed pitcher won both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award after earning a Triple Crown by leading the league in wins, strikeouts and ERA.

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Roy Halladay
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Do you recognize this winner of multiple Cy Young Awards?
Greg Maddux
Zack Greinke
David Cone
Roy Halladay
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roy Halladay is one of a select group of players to pitch a perfect game by getting 27 straight outs without allowing a batter to reach base. He accomplished the feat in 2010 while playing against the Florida Marlins.

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Josh Hamilton
Wiki Commons by Rubenstein
A five-time All-Star, what's the name of this former MVP?
Joey Votto
Ryan Braun
Joe Mauer
Josh Hamilton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Josh Hamilton fell from the top of MLB as quickly as he rose. After five straight All-Star appearances, which included an AL batting championship and AL MVP, Hamilton never made another All-Star Game and was out of the league three years later.

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Max Scherzer
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
One of a select group of players to pitch a no-hitter, is this an award-winning pitcher you recognize?
Brandon Webb
Jake Peavy
Jacob deGrom
Max Scherzer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Max Scherzer joined an exclusive group of pitchers on May 14, 2017, when he pitched an immaculate inning against the Miami Marlins. He followed it up a year later by throwing another immaculate inning on June 5, 2018.

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Bryce Harper
Wiki Commons by Cathy T
What's the name of this 2015 NL MVP?
Kris Bryant
Nolan Arenado
Bryce Harper
Paul Goldschmidt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bryce Harper had his eyes on the majors from a young age, and scouts recognized his talent, as he was taken with the number one overall draft pick in 2010 by the Washington Nationals. His dream finally came true when he debuted for the Nationals in 2012.

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Corey Kluber
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
How familiar are you with this two-time AL Cy Young Award winner?
Blake Snell
Barry Zito
Corey Kluber
Cliff Lee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Corey Kluber helped the Cleveland Indians reach the 2016 World Series for the first time since 1997. Kluber won two games for the Indians in the series, but they ultimately lost in seven games.

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Mookie Betts
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
Few young stars have as much potential as which MVP shown here?
Carlos Correa
Mookie Betts
Aaron Judge
Robinson Cano
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mookie Betts' 2018 season was one for the ages. Not only did the young right fielder earn the AL MVP, but he also won the AL batting championship, the Gold Glove Award, the Silver Slugger Award and a World Series.

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Jacob deGrom
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Does your knowledge of baseball extend back to this recent Cy Young Award winner?
Jacob deGrom
Tom Glavine
Brandon Webb
Jake Peavy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jacob deGrom was only one first-place vote away from being selected unanimously as the NL Cy Young Award Winner in 2018, partly because he only had 10 wins on the season. He also finished fifth in MVP voting.

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Jake Arrieta
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
This pitcher followed up his Cy Young Award-winning season with a World Series title the next year. Who is he?
R.A. Dickey
Jake Peavy
Jake Arrieta
Tom Glavine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jake Arrieta pitched his first no-hitter during his NL Cy Young Award-winning season in 2015. The no-hitter was one of his 22 wins that season, which led MLB. He also finished the season with a 1.77 ERA.

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Albert Pujols
Wiki Commons by Erik Drost
Known for winning three NL MVPS since 2000, few players have had the career of which one shown here?
Sammy Sosa
Albert Pujols
Ken Griffey Jr.
Barry Larkin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Albert Pujols has been a star in the majors since 2001, primarily playing first base and designated hitter. As a power hitter, Pujols has batted .301 while racking up over 600 home runs during his career.

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Giancarlo Stanton
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
A slugger who is always dangerous behind the plate, which former MVP is this?
Manny Machado
Carlos Correa
Aaron Judge
Giancarlo Stanton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After his MVP season in 2017, Giancarlo Stanton was traded by the Miami Marlins to the New York Yankees. The trade came only a few seasons after Stanton signed a 13-year contract in Miami.

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Dallas Keuchel
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
Are you able to identify this pitcher who won the Cy Young Award in 2015 with the Houston Astros?
Blake Snell
Brandon Webb
Dallas Keuchel
Jake Peavy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dallas Keuchel can do it all from the mound and not just when it comes to pitching. The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner also has excellent fielding skills, earning four Gold Glove Awards between 2014 and 2018.

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Jose Altuve
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
Can you name this offensive juggernaut?
Nolan Arenado
Carlos Correa
Manny Machado
Jose Altuve
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jose Altuve has earned five Silver Slugger Awards so far in his career. On top of that, he's been named the AL batting champion three times and has led the American League in stolen bases twice.

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Eric Gagne
Wiki Commons by Googie man
Are you able to identify this pitcher who won the Cy Young Award as a reliever?
John Smoltz
Tom Glavine
Eric Gagne
Clayton Kershaw
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eric Gagne was one of the rare closers to win a Cy Young Award. During a three-year stint as a closer, he strung together 84 straight saves, earning three All-Star appearances and two NL Rolaids Relief Man Awards.

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Chris Carpenter
Wiki Commons by Barbara Moore
How well do you know this pitcher who earned the 2005 NL Cy Young Award?
Jake Peavy
Brandon Webb
Eric Gagne
Chris Carpenter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A member of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame, Chris Carpenter helped the team win two World Series. His first championship with the team came in 2006 when they defeated the Detroit Tigers in five games.

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Kris Bryant
Wiki Commons by Minda Haas
Do you recognize this player who has been a star since he debuted in 2015?
Chris Sale
Kris Bryant
Anthony Rizzo
Alex Bregman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kris Bryant followed up his NL Rookie of the Year season in 2015 with an NL MVP season in 2016. However, he missed the All-Star Game in 2017 for the first time in his career and wouldn't return again until 2019.

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Ryan Braun
Wiki Commons by Rubenstein
Which NL MVP and Rookie of the Year do you see here?
Christian Yelich
Kris Bryant
Mike Trout
Ryan Braun
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not long after his MVP season in 2011, Ryan Braun got caught up in the steroid scandal that has damaged baseball since the early 2000s. Since coming back from suspension, Braun has only made one All-Star Game.

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Tim Lincecum
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Have you been watching enough baseball to identify this NL Cy Young Award-winning pitcher from 2008?
Brandon Webb
Tim Lincecum
Roy Halladay
R.A. Dickey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tim Lincecum was a central piece of the San Francisco Giants' three championships in the 2010s. He left the Giants in 2015, signing a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016, but he hasn't seen any action in the majors since then.

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Rick Porcello
Wiki Commons by Cbl62
The winner of the 2016 AL Cy Young Award, who is this?
Rick Porcello
Cliff Lee
Barry Zito
Blake Snell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After joining the Boston Red Sox at the end of the 2014 season, Rick Porcello struggled throughout most of the 2015 season due to a nagging injury. However, once the injury healed, he was back to form, earning the AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2016.

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Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III