Who won "The Sporting News" Major League Players of the Year for 2010?

Josh Hamilton won The Sporting News Major League Player of the Year award for 2010.

The Texas Rangers outfielder earned the honor after a dominant season in which he led MLB with a .359 batting average, hit 32 home runs, and drove in 100 runs. His production helped Texas win its first American League pennant and reach the World Series.

The award was especially notable because it was selected by Hamilton’s fellow baseball professionals: 326 MLB players participated in the voting, alongside managers and general managers in the broader Sporting News awards process. Hamilton also won the 2010 American League Most Valuable Player award, making him the clear centerpiece of the Rangers’ breakthrough season.

A common mix-up is confusing this honor with the National League MVP, which went to Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto. Hamilton’s award was a cross-MLB Sporting News honor, while his MVP was specifically an American League award. He was also recognized for his remarkable comeback after earlier career struggles, adding historical significance to an already exceptional season.