Baseball fans, it’s that time of year again. The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has dropped the finalists for the 2024 Players Choice Awards. The Atlanta Braves are bringing the heat with three of their own nominated for these prestigious honors. For fans of the Braves, it’s an opportunity to see some familiar faces getting recognition beyond the diamond, and the competition is stacked!
Max Fried: Marvin Miller Man of the Year Finalist
Starting with a big name from Atlanta’s rotation, Max Fried has earned a spot as a finalist for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award. Now, this is no small nod. This award goes to the player whose leadership most inspires others to higher levels of achievement. It’s about being the kind of leader that teammates and fans look up to, both on and off the field.
Fried’s journey through the season, showing not only skill but the heart of a true leader, has put him in the running for this distinguished accolade. And it’s not just a trophy on the line, the winner also gets a $25,000 grant to donate to a charity or cause of their choice. It’s a chance for Fried to make an impact beyond baseball if he takes home the award.
Marcell Ozuna and Chris Sale: Big Hopes for Big Wins
But wait, the Braves aren’t done yet. Marcell Ozuna has locked in as a finalist for the National League’s Outstanding Player Award. Considering Ozuna’s explosive season at the plate, it’s no shock that he’s a top contender here. Whether it’s clutch home runs or his consistency throughout the season, he’s proven he’s one of the best. Now it’s his time to shine on the awards stage.
Meanwhile, Chris Sale is making headlines for multiple reasons. Not only is he in the running for the NL’s Outstanding Pitcher Award, but he’s also been nominated for the NL Comeback Player Award. After bouncing back this season and showing he still has the fire and finesse that made him one of the most feared arms in the league, Sale could walk away with multiple accolades. It’s going to be a huge night for him if everything falls into place.
The Competition: A Stacked Lineup
Of course, the Braves aren’t the only team making noise. The full list of finalists shows the fierce competition from across the league. Players like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Bobby Witt Jr. are all up for top honors like Player of the Year and the AL Outstanding Player Award. The National League side is just as intense with Francisco Lindor, Shohei Ohtani again (because when is he not up for an award?), and Marcell Ozuna for the NL Outstanding Player.
Pitchers are also showing out this year, with names like Emmanuel Clase, Logan Gilbert, and Tarik Skubal in the mix for the AL’s top pitching honor. In the National League, Sale will be up against heavyweights like Paul Skenes and Zack Wheeler. It’s going to be a tight race to see who takes the crown in these categories.
Rookie Spotlight and Comeback Stories
On the rookie front, the competition is brimming with talent. The AL side features Wilyer Abreu, Colton Cowser, and Austin Wells, while the NL has promising young stars like Jackson Chourio, Jackson Merrill, and Paul Skenes. For those watching the future of baseball, these names are ones to keep an eye on.
The Comeback Player Awards are always emotional, highlighting resilience and determination. In the AL, it’s between Garrett Crochet, Chad Green, and Tyler O’Neill, while the NL pits Rhys Hoskins, Jurickson Profar, and Chris Sale against each other.
Special Honors: Celebrating Impact Off the Field
It’s not all about on-field performance. Special categories like the Marvin Miller Man of the Year, Curt Flood Award, and Philanthropist of the Year showcase players making a difference in their communities and advocating for the sport. With names like Rhys Hoskins, Max Fried, and Scott Sanderson in the mix, it’s clear that MLB’s best are making waves both in and out of uniform.
With such a strong lineup of nominees, this year’s Players Choice Awards are set to be a nail-biter. Whether you’re a Braves fan or rooting for another team, it’s a celebration of baseball’s best and brightest stars. Tune in on Saturday to see who walks away with the hardware!
