Guardians Star Named a 2024 Hank Aaron Award Finalist

During the 2024 regular season, the Cleveland Guardians offense ranked in the top five in Major League Baseball for the fewest strikeouts (1,196, tied for fourth) and stolen bases (148, tied for fifth). It also ranked in the top half of the MLB in home runs (185, tied for 12th), runs scored (708, 14th) and RBI (670, 15th).

The driving force for this group that won the American League Central title in 2024 was Jose Ramirezwho led the Guardians in nearly every major offensive category this season.

On Monday, MLB announced its 20 finalists for the 2024 Hank Aaron Award, which, according to MLB.com, is “an honor that recognizes the most outstanding regular-season offensive player in each league.” With a remarkable offensive performance, Cleveland's six-time All-Star third baseman reached the American League's list of 10 hitters.

In his 12th major league season, Ramírez set career highs in games played (158), at-bats (620), home runs (39, tied) and stolen bases (41). He also ranked in the top five in MLB with 118 RBI (third), intentional walks (fourth), extra base hits (80, fifth), stolen bases (fifth), home runs (fifth) and total bases (333). , tied for fifth place).

Additionally, the 32-year-old ranked in the MLB's top 10 in runs scored (seventh), doubles (39, tied for eighth) and slugging percentage (.537, 10th), while his 82 strikeouts ranked ninth among qualified batsmen (minimum). 502 record appearances).

But with his power, speed and plate discipline, Ramírez pulled off a year that was the first of its kind in MLB history. The Baní, Dominican Republic native became the first major league player to record at least 39 home runs, 41 stolen bases and 82 or fewer strikeouts in a season.

Since the Hank Aaron Award was introduced in 1999, Ramírez is aiming to become the second Cleveland player to win the AL award (Manny Ramirez1999).