Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager was named a finalist for the 2016 Hank Aaron Award, which is presented annually to the top offensive player in each league. Each of the 30 teams is represented by one player.
In his first full season in the Majors, Seager hit .308/.365/.512 with a 137 OPS+, .372 wOBA and 137 wRC+ over 157 games. He led qualified Dodgers in batting average, on-base percentage, total hits (193), doubles (40), triples (five) and was second in home runs (26).
What’s more Seager broke the Los Angeles franchise record for most hits in a single season by a rookie, which was previously held by Steve Sax (180 hits in 1982).
The 22-year-old also set a Dodgers franchise record for most home runs by a shortstop in a season, broke Eric Karros’ rookie record for most doubles (30), and with 321 total bases broke Mike Piazza’s rookie record (307).
Seager’s play has all but guaranteed he will take home the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year Award. He’s also nominated for the Esurance MLB Best Rookie Award and is a finalist for the Players Choice NL Outstanding Rookie Award.
The Hank Aaron Award is voted on by a panel of Hall of Famers, led by Aaron and including Roberto Alomar, Johnny Bench, Craig Biggio, Ken Griffey Jr., Eddie Murray and Robin Yount. For the first time since the award’s inception in 1999, fan voting will play a factor in selecting a winner from each league.
Voting can be conducted through Oct. 14, via Twitter (using #VoteCorey) and and on MLB’s website. Winners will be announced during the World Series. Matt Kemp (2011) is the lone Dodgers player to win the Hank Aaron Award.
