Two Houston Astros Sluggers Finalists for Hank Aaron Award
Two Houston Astros sluggers are among the American League finalists for the Hank Aaron Award, given in each league to the best overall offensive player in each league.
The winners are determined by a combination of votes from a panel of Hall of Famers and a fan vote.
The two Astros selected as finalists are outfielder Yordan Alvarez and outfielder Kyle Tucker. The pair, like the rest of the Astros, are preparing for the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins, which starts on Saturday at Minute Maid Park.
Alvarez missed two months of the season due to a right oblique injury, but despite that he slashed .293/.407/.583 with 31 homers and 97 RBI as the Astros reached the postseason for the seventh straight season as they attempt to defend their World Series title.
Alvarez was third in AL MVP voting last season.
Tucker put together a near 30/30 season and is petitioning to have a triple reversed to a home run, which would give him the 30/30 season. He led the AL with 112 RBI, finished with 29 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He also set career highs with 80 walks and a .369 on-base percentage. He was named an AL All-Star and became the third Astros player to lead the AL in RBI, joining Lance Berkman and Jeff Bagwell.
2023 Hank Aaron Award Finalists
American League
Yordan Alvarez, Astros; Yandy Díaz, Rays; Adolis García, Rangers; Aaron Judge, Yankees; Shohei Ohtani, Angels; Julio Rodríguez, Mariners; Corey Seager, Rangers; Marcus Semien, Rangers; Kyle Tucker, Astros
National League
Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves; Luis Arraez, Marlins; Cody Bellinger, Cubs; Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Corbin Carroll, D-backs; Freddie Freeman, Dodgers; Bryce Harper, Phillies; Matt Olson, Braves; Juan Soto, Padres