
BRONX, NY — This year marks the 35th anniversary of the LatinoMVP Awards, the oldest and most prestigious honors given to Latino players in Major League Baseball (MLB).
The origins of this award date back to 1990 when a group of us felt compelled to recognize Rubén Sierra. Many believed that Sierra, then a standout for the Texas Rangers, had been unfairly overlooked for the 1989 American League MVP, which was awarded to Robin Yount of the Milwaukee Brewers.
What began as a simple plaque meant to honor Sierra at Yankee Stadium in April 1990 turned into a historic moment. For the first time in the stadium’s history, an award was presented on the field to a non-Yankee player. It was also the first time a Latino player, specifically a Puerto Rican, was honored in such a way.

Rubén Sierra’s LatinoMVP award presentation at Yankee Stadium in 1990 – Image Credit: Latino Sports
The overwhelming support from Latino fans in attendance that day made us realize something important—we didn’t have to wait for MLB or mainstream media to recognize our Latino baseball role models. We could do it ourselves. And so, the LatinoMVP Awards were born.
Now, 35 years later, the journey to establish this award as a premier honor in baseball has been filled with challenges, but it has been more than worth it. One day, the full story will make for a fascinating book.

Manny Machado’s career milestone of winning the 2022 National League LatinoMVP Award displayed on Petco Park scoreboard – Image Credit: San Diego Padres/MLB
2024 LatinoMVP Awards Process
We are now in the process of selecting the 2024 LatinoMVP winners. Today, the awards recognize excellence in eight categories—four in each league:
- LatinoMVP (Best Overall Player)
- LatinoMVP Pitcher of the Year
- LatinoMVP Relief/Closer of the Year
- LatinoMVP Rookie of the Year
What makes these awards unique is that we don’t give a plaque or trophy. Instead, the two LatinoMVP winners receive an exclusive watercolor painting by nationally recognized artist James Fiorentino. The remaining winners receive a beautiful photo artwork created by renowned artist Maz Adams.

Maz Adams, Nestor Cortes, James Fiorentino and Julio Pabón during Nestor Cortes’ 2022 AL LatinoMVP Pitcher Award Presentation at Yankee Stadium – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports

Julio Rodríguez and Luis Castillo receive their respective 2023 LatinoMVP awards at T-Mobile Park from Julio Pabón and Michelle Davila. Julio’s award was crafted by James Fiorentino while Luis’ was done by Maz Adams – Image Credit: Seattle Mariners
We are also proud to announce that MLB is the official sponsor of the LatinoMVP Awards. This partnership allows us to present each winner with their award at their home stadium during Hispanic Heritage Month in September. Additionally, we visit all nominees during Spring Training, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.

Francisco Lindor was named the AL LatinoMVP in 2016, will he win it for 2024 in the NL as a New York Met? – Image Credit: Latino Sports
Being nominated for the LatinoMVP is an honor in itself—one that has been compared to the Latin Grammy of baseball.
Get Involved!
As we finalize the 2024 ballot, we encourage our readers to share their opinions on who they believe are the top Latino players. In the meantime, you can cast your vote for the LatinoMVP winners in each league by visiting our official poll:
Vote for the 2024 LatinoMVP Awards
Stay tuned as we announce the official nominees soon!
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