The realm of award voting in Major League Baseball (MLB) is often fraught with controversy and debate. The discussions surrounding perceived "snubs" are prevalent each time trophies and accolades are presented, and the history of MLB is replete with such instances. Since the 2000 season, there have been several examples of Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting outcomes that have sparked considerable conversation. Generally, it is important to recognize that most players receiving MVP consideration have warranted their accolades. The purpose of analyzing these moments is not to criticize the players or the voting body, but rather to acknowledge that, upon reflection, other contenders may have been equally or more deserving of the honor.

In the 2000 season, Jason Giambi delivered what would become the most productive year of his career, posting a .333 batting average with 43 home runs and 137 runs batted in for the Oakland Athletics. Giambi led the league in walks with 137 and boasted a remarkable .476 on-base percentage. Though Giambi's performance was commendable, the case for a potential outlier in MVP voting arises when considering Pedro Martinez’s phenomenal season with the Boston Red Sox. Martinez posted an impressive 18-6 record, an MLB-best 1.74 ERA, and led the American League with a staggering 284 strikeouts. Despite Martinez's exceptional contributions, Giambi secured the MVP award over renowned players such as Frank Thomas, Alex Rodriguez, and Carlos Delgado, while Martinez finished fifth without a single first-place vote.

Alex Rodriguez also made a strong case for the 2000 AL MVP, having arguably been more deserving in 2002. While with the Texas Rangers, Rodriguez led the majors with 57 home runs, 142 runs batted in, and 389 total bases, maintaining a .300 batting average while also earning a Gold Glove for his defensive skills. However, Miguel Tejada's MVP status was bolstered by the success of the Oakland Athletics, who recorded a remarkable 103-59 season, compared to the Rangers' disappointing 72-90 record. This alignment of team performance and individual achievement undoubtedly influenced the voting process. Looking forward to 2006, Justin Morneau had a commendable season with the Minnesota Twins, batting .321 with 34 home runs and 130 runs batted in, a key contributor to the team's success in capturing the AL Central division. Nonetheless, a closer look reveals that Morneau may have been the third-best player on his team behind Johan Santana, who captured the Cy Young Award, and emerging superstar Joe Mauer.

In 2011, the voting landscape shifted further as controversy emerged surrounding Ryan Braun's MVP award, which he later admitted was secured while using a banned substance. Braun finished the season with the league's best marks in slugging percentage and OPS, alongside 33 home runs and 111 runs batted in for the Milwaukee Brewers. Parallelly, Los Angeles Dodgers' Matt Kemp narrowly missed achieving a rare 40-40 season, ending the year with 39 home runs, 126 runs batted in, and 40 steals, while coming close to winning the NL Triple Crown. The context of Braun's victory in relation to Kemp's impressive statistics has made this season one of the most debated in the realm of MVP voting history.

In 2012, Miguel Cabrera achieved a historic feat by accomplishing the Triple Crown, a rarity in baseball. His stellar season included a .330 batting average, 44 home runs, and 139 runs batted in, leading the Detroit Tigers to the AL Central title and ultimately to the World Series. Meanwhile, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels had an exceptional year of his own, showcasing prodigious talent even though his team did not reach the postseason. Trout, then a rookie, topped the majors with 49 stolen bases and 129 runs scored, hitting .326 with 30 home runs and 83 runs batted in, alongside elite defensive play in center field. Given the notable difference in their respective WAR (Wins Above Replacement) metrics—10.5 for Trout over Cabrera's 7.1—many feel that Trout’s contributions could have warranted the MVP award, ultimately leaving him as a near-miss for a significant historical achievement.