In 1997, Larry Walker won the National League MVP award on the back of a NL-leading 49 home runs and top-marks in on-base and slugging percentage. Walker was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021. He remains the only player in Rockies history to reach Cooperstown or to have won an MVP Award.
Larry Walker Award for Most Valuable Player: Trevor Story
Trevor Story may not have put together the typical superstar season that we’ve grown accustomed to witnessing, but it was still more than enough to earn him plaudits as Colorado’s Most Valuable Player in 2021.
Finishing among leaders in all offensive categories among all shortstops – and setting some historic marks in the process – was only part of his importance to a club that exceeded expectations. Story’s value was most integral as a consistent part of Bud Black’s everyday lineup card, particularly important with only Charlie Blackmon and C.J. Cron as regulars with more than four years in the big leagues.
With Story batting third 75 times and second on 15 occasions, he provided lineup protection for the more inexperienced members populating the top of the lineup. Players like Raimel Tapia, Garrett Hampson, Brendan Rodgers and Yonathan Daza took strides forward this season as opposing pitchers noticed a certain no. 27 waiting in the on deck circle for his chance to make an impact.
While he shared this role with Blackmon, who flipped spots in the order with Story on a nearly equal basis, Story was – and is – still considered within his prime. In the midst of a contract season, he struck fear in the hearts of many hurlers.
The historical parameters were notable for the 28-year-old. He achieved the third season of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, something only Mike Trout has done more (5x) amongst active players. Story also notched his 100th career stolen base, joining an elite group of players to ever hit 150 home runs and steal 100 bases over their first six seasons: Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Darryl Strawberry, Andruw Jones, Ryan Braun and Mike Trout.
A case could be made for Cron’s contributions to the team as the first baseman had the most multi-hit performances (36) on the club, two more than Story. But the shortstop had more multi-RBI games (21) and when including the defensive side of the game, a clear edge shifts towards Trev.
It’s true that Story had one of his worst seasons in the field, mostly due to a shoulder injury that kept him from being a finalist for the Rawlings’ Gold Glove Award. When comparing the two talents through available fielding metrics, the large majority clearly favor Story.
A quick spin around Baseball Reference displays a column for the top player based upon the site’s Wins Above Replacement on the Colorado Rockies for each of the last 29 seasons and Story is at the top (4.2) for 2021.
Six different times, a pitcher happened to have the most bWAR, including the worst season in franchise history (2012 at 64-98) when 37-year-old closer Rafael Betancourt was highest.
Though this year will certainly be remembered for the outstanding rotation, no single starting pitcher could separate himself from the pack. Even in a down year, Story will still be remembered as the best player from this season and winner of the 2021 Larry Walker Award.
