A pair of players at opposite ends of their careers won the 2016 Hank Aaron Award, with Chicago Cubs slugger Kris Bryant and Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz named the top offensive players in the National League and American League, respectively, on Wednesday.
David Ortiz, Kris Bryant win 2016 Hank Aaron Awards
Voted top offensive players in their leagues
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Both were honored at Progressive Field in Cleveland before Game 2 of the World Series, where Bryant will bat second and play third base against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night.
The award was voted on by a panel including Aaron and fellow Hall of Famers Roberto Alomar, Johnny Bench, Craig Biggio, Ken Griffey Jr., Eddie Murray, and Robin Yount, plus a fan vote as well.
“It is an honor that the awards which distinguish the top offensive performers in baseball have my name on it,” Aaron said in a press release. “I want to congratulate Kris and David on their terrific seasons and extend my thanks to the Hall of Famers and fans who once again helped select the winners.”
Ortiz, 40, had arguably the finest final season in baseball history, finishing off his 20-year career in style by hitting .315/.401/.620 with 38 home runs, 48 doubles, and 127 RBI, leading the Red Sox to the American League East division title.
Ortiz also won the AL Hank Aaron Award in 2005.
Bryant, who won NL Rookie of the Year in 2015, is the favorite for NL MVP in his second season after hitting .292/.385/.554 with 39 home runs, 35 doubles, 121 runs scored, and 102 RBI while playing mostly third base and left field for Chicago.
“I grew up watching Big Papi on the Red Sox get to this point, and win a World Series,” Bryant said in a pregame news conference. “Hopefully I can do that here.”
See More:
