Ortiz, Bryant highlight Hank Aaron award nominees
Following a pair of MVP-caliber performances at the plate this season, Boston Red Sox icon David Ortiz and Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant were among the 30 nominees announced Thursday for the Hank Aaron Award, given annually to the best hitter in each league.
First awarded in 1999, the hardware will be handed out ahead of Game 4 of the World Series, with Aaron himself - the 25-time All-Star who hit .305 with 755 homers throughout his illustrious career - presenting the winners with their trophies.
American League
| Team | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Orioles | Mark Trumbo | RF |
| Red Sox | David Ortiz | DH |
| White Sox | Jose Abreu | 1B |
| Indians | Jose Ramirez | 3B |
| Tigers | Miguel Cabrera | 1B |
| Astros | Jose Altuve | 2B |
| Royals | Eric Hosmer | 1B |
| Angels | Mike Trout | CF |
| Twins | Brian Dozier | 2B |
| Yankees | Didi Gregorius | SS |
| Athletics | Khris Davis | LF |
| Mariners | Nelson Cruz | DH |
| Rays | Evan Longoria | 3B |
| Rangers | Adrian Beltre | 3B |
| Blue Jays | Josh Donaldson | 3B |
National League
| Team | Player | Pos. |
|---|---|---|
| D-Backs | Jake Lamb | 3B |
| Braves | Freddie Freeman | 1B |
| Cubs | Kris Bryant | 3B |
| Reds | Joey Votto | 1B |
| Rockies | Nolan Arenado | 3B |
| Dodgers | Corey Seager | SS |
| Marlins | Christian Yelich | LF |
| Brewers | Ryan Braun | LF |
| Mets | Yoenis Cespedes | LF |
| Phillies | Odubel Herrera | CF |
| Pirates | Gregory Polanco | RF |
| Padres | Wil Myers | 1B |
| Giants | Brandon Crawford | SS |
| Cardinals | Stephen Piscotty | RF |
| Nationals | Daniel Murphy | 2B |
Last year, in his first season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Josh Donaldson took home the award in the American League, smashing 41 homers and 41 doubles while hitting .297/.371/.568 (151 OPS+) in 158 games. Bryce Harper, the Washington Nationals phenom who clobbered 42 homers and 38 doubles while managing a 1.109 OPS, received the award in the National League.