Ohtani, Vlad, Harper headline MLBPA Players Choice Awards finalists
Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper are the finalists for Player of the Year at the 2021 Players Choice Awards, the MLBPA announced Thursday.
Ohtani hit 46 home runs with a .965 OPS while posting a 3.18 ERA with 10.8 K/9. Guerrero was in the American League Triple Crown race the entire season and finished tied for the most homers (48) in baseball. Harper led the majors in slugging (.615) and OPS (1.044).
St. Louis Cardinals reliever Andrew Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Max Scherzer, and Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien are up for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, which is given to a player who inspires others through leadership.
Ohtani and Guerrero are also finalists for the AL's Outstanding Player Award. Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez is the other nominee. Meanwhile, Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley, Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, and San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. are the selections for the Outstanding Player Award in the National League.
New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, Chicago White Sox right-hander Lance Lynn, and Blue Jays left-hander Robbie Ray are up for the Outstanding Pitcher Award in the AL. Scherzer, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Corbin Burnes, and Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler are nominees for the honor in the NL.
The MLBPA will also hand out the Outstanding Rookie Award and Comeback Player Award.
The winners will be announced Oct. 28.