St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt are both finalists for the 2022 Hank Aaron Award. Goldschmidt won the award in 2013 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Hank Aaron Award originated in 1999. It is named after Hank Aaron who held the MLB home run record from 1974 to 2007. The award is given to the best overall offensive player from each league.
A panel of MLB Hall of Famers, and a fan vote determine the winners. According to MLB.com, this panel includes Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Pedro Martínez, John Smoltz, Johnny Bench, Craig Biggio, Eddie Murray, and Robin Yount.
Nolan Arenado
Arenado slashed .293/.358/.533 with 30 home runs, 73 runs, and 103 RBI. His 151 wRC+ is the fourth-best among National League batters. His 11.6% strikeout rate is the third-best in the National League.
Paul Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt slashed .317/.404/.578 with 35 home runs, 106 runs, and 115 RBI. His 177 wRC+ is the best in the National League. He finished in the top three for runs and RBI as well.
If Goldschmidt wins the 2022 Hank Aaron Award, he will be the sixth National League player to win it at least twice, joining Albert Pujols, Barry Bonds, Bryce Harper, Christian Yelich, and Giancarlo Stanton.
Fans can vote by visiting MLB.com/aaron. Voting is open until October 24.
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Featured image courtesy of Aaron Vowels.
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