Aaron Judge of the Yankees won both the American League and Player of the Year awards at the annual Players Choice Awards presented by the Major League Baseball Players Association.
With 62 home runs, Judge broke Roger Maris of New York’s previous record of 61 set in 1961 and set a new record for the American League.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt of St. Louis was selected as the National League’s finest player, the union announced on Friday.
Métis shortstop Francisco Lindor won the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award, awarded to a player whose leadership motivates others. Lindor was a member of the eight-person executive subcommittee of the union that actively participated in contract discussions.
The Curt Flood Award was given to former pitcher Steve Rogers, a longstanding special assistant on the union’s staff, for his dedication to the union and development of players’ rights.
The AL and NL excellent pitchers and comeback players were chosen as Houston’s Justin Verlander, Miami’s Sandy Alcantara, and Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acua Jr., respectively.
The AL’s top rookie was Seattle outfielder Julio Rodriguez, while the NL’s was Atlanta pitcher Spencer Strider.
