Moustakas, 29, and Holland, 31, each made successful returns this year from serious injuries — a torn ACL in Moustakas’ case and a torn UCL in Holland’s case. The former Kansas City teammates also set themselves up for large paydays as potential free agents.

After being limited to 27 games in 2016, Moustakas produced a .272/.314/.521 slash line in 598 plate appearances this year, with a franchise-record 38 home runs and a career-high 85 RBIs. He played through knee and hip soreness late in the second half as Kansas City competed for a wild-card berth.

His WAR ranged between 1.8 (Baseball-reference) and 2.2 (Fangraphs), with defensive metrics (a career-low minus-8 defensive runs saved) helping to keep those numbers down.

MORE: Sporting News MLB Players of the Year, 1936-2016

The man known as “Moose” made the AL All-Star team for the second time in his career after winning one of the two online fan votes after the reserves were chosen. He took part in the Home Run Derby in Miami, as well.

Royals manager Ned Yost told reporters in September (per MLB.com) that he thought as early as 2010 that Moustakas would develop into a power threat.

“I remember thinking at the time that (Royals catcher Salvador Perez) could hit 25-30 home runs. I thought (first baseman Eric Hosmer) could hit 25-30. And I thought Moose could hit 25-35. So I was close,” Yost said.

Holland came back just as strong after missing the entire 2016 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander tied for the NL lead (and tied a Rockies record) with 41 saves in 45 opportunities and averaged 11 strikeouts per nine innings.

With Holland again pitching like an elite closer (he had 46 saves for the Royals in 2014), Colorado got off to hot start and then held on to claim the NL’s second wild card.

It didn’t take manager Bud Black long to recognize what Holland brought to the mound.

“Getting to know Greg like I have here, he checks off all the boxes for quality guy at the end of the game,” Black told reporters in May. “He can turn the page, good or bad. He’s got two quality pitches (fastball, slider). He throws strikes. He’s got deception. Again, he’s unflappable.”

Holland was 34 for 35 before weakening in August. After a strong September, he struggled in the wild-card game against Arizona, but he had long ago put himself in line for a big-money, multiyear deal.

Moustakas is the second Royals player to be chosen AL Comeback Player of the Year. Likewise, Holland is the second Rockies player to earn the NL award.

VOTING RESULTS

(Voting by AL players only)

Mike Moustakas, Royals: 42

Jason Vargas, Royals: 24

Justin Smoak, Blue Jays: 22

Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox: 7

Alex Cobb, Rays: 7

Yonder Alonso: A’s/Mariners: 5

Sonny Gray, A’s/Yankees: 4

Charlie Morton, Astros: 2

Logan Morrison, Mariners: 2

Others: 10

(Voting by NL players only)

Greg Holland, Rockies: 33

Lance Lynn, Cardinals: 20

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals: 12

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates: 9

Eric Thames, Brewers: 5

Mark Reynolds, Rockies: 4

Others: 5

THIS WEEK’S SN AWARD SCHEDULE

Monday: Rookies of the Year (AL and NL)

Tuesday: Comeback Players of the Year (AL and NL) and Managers of the Year (AL and NL)

Wednesday: AL All-Star Team | NL All-Star Team

Thursday: MLB Player of the Year