In the annual Players Choice Awards by the MLB Players Association, Atlanta Braves’ right fielder, Ronald Acuña Jr., received a double honor as he was voted Player of the Year and the National League’s Outstanding Player, according to an announcement made by the union.

 

On the American League side, Shohei Ohtani, the versatile star of the Los Angeles Angels, secured the title of Outstanding Player.

 

Acuña’s extraordinary season included a historic feat, becoming the first player to achieve 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a single campaign. He boasted a batting average of .337, along with 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, and 73 stolen bases, marking a milestone never before reached, with no player having previously achieved 40 home runs and 50 steals in one season.

 

Ohtani’s contributions were equally remarkable, as he excelled both as a hitter and a pitcher. With a batting average of .304, he knocked out 44 home runs, drove in 95 runs, and stole 20 bases. On the pitching front, he displayed his prowess, attaining a record of 10-5, an impressive 3.14 ERA, and 167 strikeouts across 132 innings.

 

Unfortunately, his pitching season was cut short due to a torn elbow ligament on August 23, preventing him from taking the mound until 2025. His hitting season also concluded early, ending on September 3 due to an oblique strain.