2022 AL King Cobra Wildcard MVP: Minneapolis v. Denver

... Kealaalohi Nerida, CF, Minneapolis.

This is more of a "narrative" pick than a "stats" pick, but then, stats-wise, nobody really stood out in the 2 game sweep.

So, the narrative... Back during the 2018 World Series, the Minneapolis Mutiny entered the top of the 9th inning of Game 6 trailing Memphis by 1, where a loss would end the series and make the Razorbacks the champions. But with 2 outs and runners on, Nerida hit one of the most dramatic World Series home runs in EWB history, propelling the Mutiny to the win in Game 6. They went on to win the title with a Game 7 victory, giving the franchise their one and only championship.

Four years later, the now 34-year-old Nerida is mostly a role player, as evidenced by the fact that he got just 180 ABs this year. He still has power though: he hit 13 HRs in those 180 ABs.

Anyway, bottom of the 9th of Game 2, win the score tied 1-1. The Mutiny get the leadoff hitter on, then make 2 outs. They bring in Nerida as a pinch hitter, and he drives a 2-2 pitch 385 feet for a game-winning and series-clinching home run. It was his only at bat of the series, but boy was it dramatic, and reinforced Nerida's reputation as a tremendous clutch performer. He's something like the "Big Shot Bob" of EWB.