DeGrom and Acuna Jr. Named Comeback Players of the Year
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Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom has been voted the American League Comeback Player of the Year, while Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has earned the National League honor. According to ESPN MLB, deGrom, a 37-year-old right-hander, underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2023 and returned to make 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 earned run average, and 185 strikeouts over 172 and two-thirds innings, securing his fifth All-Star selection. Acuna Jr., 27, who tore his left ACL on May 26, 2024, made a successful comeback on May 23 of the following year, earning his fifth All-Star appearance.
He had a strong season, hitting .290 with 21 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases. The report indicates that Acuna's return was a significant boost for the Braves as they aimed for postseason success.
Other players receiving votes for the AL Comeback Player of the Year included Baltimore pitcher Trevor Rogers, Toronto outfielder George Springer, and Boston shortstop Trevor Story, among others. In the National League category, notable mentions included San Francisco pitcher Robbie Ray and Philadelphia left-hander Jesus Luzardo.
In addition to the comeback awards, Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets was recognized as the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year, while Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox won the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year.
Diaz, a previous winner, posted a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves this season, while Chapman had an impressive 1.17 ERA with 32 saves and did not allow a hit to 50 consecutive batters during a stretch. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers also made headlines, claiming the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award for the fifth straight year, matching David Ortiz's record.
Ohtani finished the season hitting .282 with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs, while Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees also took home another Hank Aaron Award after a standout season. Milwaukee's Matt Arnold made history as the first repeat winner of the Executive of the Year award, leading the Brewers to their third consecutive NL Central title.
The awards highlight not just individual achievements but also the resilience and determination of players returning from injury, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.