DeGrom and Acuna Jr. Named Comeback Players of the Year
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Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers has been voted the American League Comeback Player of the Year, while Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves received the National League honor. DeGrom, a 37-year-old right-hander, underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2023 but made a strong return, making three starts at the end of the 2024 season.
He finished the year with a record of 12 wins and 8 losses, a 2.97 ERA, and 185 strikeouts over 172 and two-thirds innings, earning his fifth All-Star selection. Acuna, at 27 years old, faced a significant setback when he tore his left ACL on May 26, 2024.
He made his return on May 23 of this year and also made his fifth All-Star team. Acuna posted a batting average of .290, with 21 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases this season. Other candidates for the AL Comeback Player of the Year included Trevor Rogers from Baltimore, George Springer from Toronto, Bo Bichette from Toronto, Trevor Story from Boston, Lucas Giolito from the New York Yankees, and Trent Grisham also from the Yankees.
In the NL, notable candidates included Robbie Ray from San Francisco, Jesus Luzardo from Philadelphia, Clayton Kershaw from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Brandon Woodruff from Milwaukee, and Carson Kelly from the Chicago Cubs.
Additionally, Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets was named the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year, marking his third win of the award. Diaz had an impressive season, going 6-3 with a 1.63 ERA and 28 saves in 31 chances, striking out 98 batters over 66 and one-third innings.
Aroldis Chapman from the Boston Red Sox won the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year award, boasting a 5-3 record with a 1.17 ERA and 32 saves in 34 chances. Chapman did not allow a hit to 50 consecutive batters between July 23 and September 7.
Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers won the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award for the fifth consecutive year, joining David Ortiz in the record books. Ohtani also secured his third Hank Aaron Award, matching Aaron Judge, who led the league with a .331 batting average and 53 home runs.
Milwaukee Brewers general manager Matt Arnold became the first repeat winner of MLB's Executive of the Year award, highlighting his successful leadership in the league's smallest market. The awards illustrate the remarkable achievements of players who have shown resilience and determination in their careers, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike.