Kris Bryant, David Ortiz named Hank Aaron Award recipients for most outstanding offensive performers for 2016 season
Major League Baseball announced prior to Game 2 of the World Series this year’s winners of the Hank Aaron Award. Kris Bryant and David Ortiz received this season’s awards for the National and American League.
Hank Aaron and Commissioner Rob Manfred presented Bryant and Ortiz with the awards Wednesday in Cleveland prior to Game 2.
“It is an honor that the awards, which distinguish the top offensive performers in baseball, have my name on it,” Hank Aaron said. “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.”
Kris Bryant and David Ortiz made their big league debuts at Wrigley Field. Bryant on April 17, 2015 against the Padres and Ortiz with the Twins on Sept. 2, 1997.
Kris Bryant put together an excellent first full year in the big leagues at the plate while playing six different positions in the field.
Bryant earned a second straight trip to the All-Star Game and hit a first inning home run off the White Sox’s Chris Sale.
In 155 games this season, Bryant hit .292/.385/.554 with 35 doubles, three triples and 39 home runs for a .939 OPS. Bryant had 102 RBI and scored 121 runs.
Kris Bryant is considered the frontrunner for the NL Most Valuable Player Award.
Kris Bryant has received the College Player of the Year (2013), Arizona Fall League MVP (2013), Minor League Player of the Year (2014), National League Rookie of the Year (2015) and NL Hank Aaron Award (2016) since the Cubs selected him as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft.
Bryant is the second Cubs player to win the NL Hank Aaron Award, joining Aramis Ramirez (2008).
Joe Maddon called him “Hammerin’ KB” upon finding out Bryant won the award.
From Major League Baseball: Established in 1999 to honor the 25th anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s All-Time Home Run record by hitting No. 715 on his way to a final 755. The Hank Aaron Awards are officially sanctioned by MLB and recognize the most outstanding offensive performer in each league.