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Shohei Ohtani won his second straight Hank Aaron Award on Thursday in recognition of his stellar first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he led the National League in home runs and RBIs.
The Japanese superstar was announced as the NL’s winner of the award, given to the league’s best offensive performer, shortly after being named to the All-MLB First Team as designated hitter.
Shohei Ohtani reacts after hitting his 47th home run of the season during a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sept. 11, 2024. (Kyodo)
He also claimed his fourth consecutive Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, winning in a unanimous vote by a panel including beat writers and broadcasters.
Aaron Judge received the American League’s Hank Aaron Award, won last year by Ohtani as a member of the Los Angeles Angels, while the New York Yankees outfielder also earned All-MLB First Team selection.
Ohtani is the first player to have won the Hank Aaron Award, selected by a panel of Hall of Famers and a fan vote, in both leagues. He did not attend the awards ceremony in Las Vegas after recently having left shoulder surgery, but gave his acceptance speech in a video message.
“It’s an honor to receive an award named after the legendary Hank Aaron,” Ohtani said. “My deep appreciation goes out to all the fans and Hall of Famers who voted for me. Your support means everything to me.”
The All-MLB teams were chosen through a process in which 50 percent of the vote came from fans and the rest from a panel of experts.
Dodger outfielders Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez earned All-MLB First Team and Second Team selections, respectively.
Ohtani earlier in the week picked up his third Silver Slugger Award, as the NL’s best offensive player at designated hitter, tying Ichiro Suzuki for the most wins by a Japanese player.
The 30-year-old is the favorite to win the NL MVP Award to be announced on Nov. 21.
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Baseball: Ohtani named finalist for National League MVP
Baseball: Ohtani, Yamamoto celebrate title with Dodgers, fans in LA