New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani are the finalists in the 2022 Players Choice Awards’ Player of the Year category, the MLBPA announced.
Heading the contest, Judge had a historic 2022 campaign. Thus, breaking the American League record for home runs in a single season with 62, in addition to adding 131 RBIs and nearly winning the Triple Crown for AL hitters, he emerges as the big name for the noble award.
Meanwhile, Goldschmidt had one of the best seasons of his 12-year career, hitting for a 31.7% batting average with 35 home runs, 41 doubles, 115 RBIs, and a .404 OBP for the Cardinals.
In addition to these names, we can’t forget the phenomenal Oh me, who shined once again as a hitter and pitcher. The 28-year-old averaged 27.3% at bat with 34 home runs and 95 RBIs. Similarly outstanding, on the mound, he posted a 15-9 record with an excellent 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts in only 166 innings pitched. Previously, in the 2021 season, Shohei took home the AL award.
American League Most Valuable Player: Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani
National League Most Valuable Player: Freddie Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt, Austin Riley
American League Pitcher of the Year: Dylan Cease, Alek Manoah, Justin Verlander
National League Pitcher of the Year: Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, Julio Urias
American League Most Rookie Rookie: Julio Rodriguez, Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr.
National League Rookie of the Year: Brendan Donovan, Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider
American League Best Comeback Player: Matt Carpenter, Mike Trout, Justin Verlander
National League Comeback Player of the Year: Ronald Acuna Jr., Brandon Drury, Albert Pujols
Marvin Miller Award: Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, Brent Suter
Curt Flood Award: Buck Martinez, Brooks Robinson, Steve Rogers
Finally, the winners of the Players Choice Awards will be announced next Thursday, November 3.
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