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The Hank Aaron Award, honoring the legacy of one of baseball's greatest legends, celebrates the most outstanding offensive performers in both the American and National Leagues each season. This year's nominees showcase an impressive array of talent, featuring players who have excelled not only in power-hitting but also in overall offensive contributions. From emerging stars to seasoned veterans, these athletes have made significant impacts on their teams and the league as a whole. As the baseball community looks forward to recognizing excellence, here’s a list of the nominees for the 2024 Hank Aaron Award.
Here's the list of nominees
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Yordan Alvarez, Astros
Alvarez has hit over 30 home runs for the fourth consecutive year, finishing with 35. He also achieved a career-high 71 extra-base hits, while ranking in the Top 10 in the league for batting average (.308), on-base percentage (.392), and OPS (.959). Notably, he reduced his strikeout rate to a career-best 15%.
Jarren Duran, Red Sox
Duran had a breakout season, amassing 48 doubles and 14 triples, both leading the AL. With 21 home runs, he totaled 83 extra-base hits, placing him fourth in MLB. He also stole 34 bases, becoming the third player in Red Sox history to achieve a 20-30 season, alongside Jacoby Ellsbury and Mookie Betts.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays
After a slow start, Guerrero found his stride, ending the season with a .345/.412/.590 slash line over five months. The 2021 Aaron Award winner hit 30 home runs, drove in 103 RBIs, and maintained a .323 average, with a career-high 199 hits and a strikeout rate of just 13.8%.
Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
The reigning AL Rookie of the Year elevated his game in 2024, hitting 37 home runs and stealing 21 bases for an .893 OPS. Henderson became only the second Oriole aged 23 or younger to hit at least 30 homers and steal 20 bases, joining Manny Machado. His 118 runs scored ranked fourth in the AL.
Aaron Judge, Yankees
The Yankees captain, who won the Hank Aaron Award in 2022, had an exceptional 2024 season. He led MLB with 58 homers and became the first player since 2009 to record at least 140 RBIs in a season. Judge posted a .322 average, and his 1.159 OPS was the best for any qualified hitter since Barry Bonds in 2004.
José Ramírez, Guardians
Ramírez hit 39 home runs and stole 41 bases, joining Shohei Ohtani as the only players this season with at least 30 homers and 40 steals. He also ranked among the AL’s top five in doubles (39), runs (114), and RBIs (118).
Brent Rooker, A’s
Rooker had another strong season, finishing with 39 home runs. His .293 average was the highest for an A’s player in a 30-homer season since Miguel Tejada in 2002. In his second full Major League season, he drove in 112 runs and recorded a .927 OPS, ranking sixth in the AL.
Anthony Santander, Orioles
Santander had a standout 2024, becoming the eighth switch-hitter in MLB history to hit 40 home runs in a season. He is the first to achieve this since Lance Berkman and Carlos Beltrán in 2006. After earning his first All-Star selection, Santander finished with 91 runs and 102 RBIs along with 44 homers.
Juan Soto, Yankees
Soto’s first season with the Yankees was a major success, as he set career highs in runs (128), hits (166), home runs (41), extra-base hits (76), and slugging percentage (.569). The 25-year-old was an All-Star for the fourth time, and his .419 on-base percentage and .988 OPS ranked second among AL players, just behind teammate Judge.
Bobby Witt Jr, Royals
Witt made history by becoming the first player in AL/NL history to achieve at least 40 doubles, 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 10 triples in a single season. He is also the first shortstop with multiple 30-homer, 30-steal seasons. Witt scored 125 runs, drove in 109 RBIs, and led the Majors with 211 hits and a .332 average, earning Kansas City’s first batting title since George Brett in 1990.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
William Contreras, Brewers
Contreras emerged as one of the top-hitting catchers, earning his second All-Star appearance in 2024. He led NL catchers with 23 homers, 92 RBIs, and an OPS of .831, contributing to Milwaukee’s NL Central title.
Elly De La Cruz, Reds
De La Cruz showcased his dynamic abilities with 25 home runs, 105 runs scored, and a league-leading 67 stolen bases, making him one of the most electrifying players in the Majors.
Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
Freeman remained a reliable force in the Dodgers' lineup, hitting over 20 homers for the eighth consecutive season. He boasted a .378 on-base percentage and ranked in the NL’s Top 10 for OPS at .854.
Bryce Harper, Phillies
Despite playing a new position and dealing with injuries, Harper continued to be a key player for the Phillies, recording his fifth season with over 30 homers. He led all qualified first basemen in doubles (42) and OPS (.898).
Francisco Lindor, Mets
Lindor delivered an MVP-caliber season, reaching 30 homers for the second year in a row. He ranked among the top three NL shortstops in home runs (33), RBIs (91), doubles (39), average (.273), slugging (.500), and OPS (.844).
Ketel Marte, D-backs
Despite missing time due to injury, Marte dominated NL second basemen in key offensive categories, including batting average (.292), home runs (36), RBIs (95), and runs scored (93). He received his second All-Star selection and recorded 61 extra-base hits.
Jackson Merrill, Padres
Merrill had an impressive rookie season, leading all qualified rookies with 162 hits, a .292 average, 90 RBIs, and 277 total bases. His 24 home runs were the highest among NL rookies.
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Ohtani made history by becoming the first player in the 50-50 club and the first to reach 400 total bases in a season since 2001. He finished with 54 homers and 59 stolen bases, accumulating 99 extra-base hits—the most since Derrek Lee in 2005.
Marcell Ozuna, Braves
Ozuna re-established himself as one of baseball’s top offensive threats, finishing just one home run shy of his second consecutive 40-homer, 100-RBI season. With a .924 OPS, he was second only to Ohtani and Marte in the NL.
Kyle Schwarber, Phillies
Schwarber solidified his status as the best active leadoff hitter, setting a new single-season record with 15 leadoff home runs. He contributed 38 homers, led the NL with 106 walks, and drove in 104 runs for the second straight season, setting a personal best with 110 runs scored.
