Yankees captain Aaron Judge secures his fourth New York Player of the Year award deservingly as the season saw him going on a record-breaking spree to carry his team to the World Series. However, it was Dodgers star Mookie Betts, who walked away with the famed Babe Ruth award for his postseason contributions in his team’s championship win.
These prestigious annual awards were announced on Tuesday by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA), celebrating outstanding achievements on and off the field. This year’s honorees included Judge, Betts, and several other baseball luminaries recognized for their excellence in performance, heartwarming stories of resilience, and contributions to the sport’s community.
Aaron Judge rules NY award with fourth player of the year honor
New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge continued to cement his legacy as one of the greatest hitters of his generation. Judge claimed his fourth Sid Mercer/Dick Young New York Player of the Year Award, having previously won in 2017, 2021, and 2022.
Judge’s regular season was nothing short of extraordinary, as he led the major leagues with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs while batting .322. His exceptional performance carried the Yankees to their first World Series appearance since 2009, further solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the franchise. Judge will receive the award alongside his second American League MVP trophy at the BBWAA’s 100th annual dinner on January 25.
Dodgers’ Betts chosen for Babe Ruth Award
Mookie Betts, one of baseball’s most electrifying talents, was awarded the Babe Ruth Award as the postseason MVP. Betts was instrumental in the Dodgers’ success, helping them capture the 2024 World Series title in five games against the Yankees. His postseason statistics were a testament to his clutch performance: a .290 batting average, four home runs, 16 RBIs, five doubles, 11 walks, and a .952 OPS across 16 playoff games.
Betts’ ability to deliver in critical moments showcased his leadership and elite skill set. His contributions were pivotal to the Dodgers’ triumph, underscoring why he remains one of the most dynamic players in the game today.
Have Heart Award for Freddie Freeman
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman will receive the Arthur and Milton Richman You Gotta Have Heart Award for his resilience and contributions both on and off the field. Freeman endured a difficult summer when his 3-year-old son, Maximus, spent eight days in the pediatric intensive care unit battling Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.
Despite this personal hardship, Freeman remained a key player for the Dodgers. He overcame a late-season ankle sprain to deliver historic performances in the World Series, including the first walk-off grand slam in Series history during Game 1. Freeman’s heroics continued as he homered in the first four games, tying a Series record with 12 RBIs and earning the World Series MVP title.
The ‘OMG’ Mets: Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town award
The 2024 New York Mets, affectionately dubbed the “OMG” Mets, will receive the Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town Award. The team captivated fans with an unexpected run to the National League Championship Series, fueled in part by a viral anthem released by infielder José Iglesias. The song, which debuted in June, became a rallying cry for the team and a symbol of their memorable season.
Honoring baseball legends and contributors
The BBWAA also recognized baseball legends and contributors for their lasting impact on the game:
- Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield will receive the Willie, Mickey, and the Duke Award, commemorating the iconic 1984 American League batting race. Mattingly edged Winfield on the final day of the season to claim the batting title.
- Pat Kelly will be honored with the Casey Stengel You Could Look It Up Award for his clutch two-run homer on September 29, 1995, which helped the Yankees secure their first playoff berth in 14 years.
- John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman, the voices of Yankees radio broadcasts, will receive the William J. Slocum/Jack Lang Award for their decades of service. Sterling, 86, is retiring after 36 seasons, marking the end of an era for Yankees fans.
- Oswaldo Cabrera will be presented with the Joan Payson/Shannon Forde Award for Community Service for his work with Covenant House New Jersey and Ma Deuce Deuce, raising awareness of suicide prevention among veterans.
- Sean Manaea, pitcher for the Mets, will take home the Ben Epstein/Dan Castellano Good Guy Award, honoring his cooperation and professionalism with the media.
The BBWAA’s annual awards celebrate the diverse contributions that make baseball an enduring and beloved sport. From postseason heroics to acts of resilience and community service, this year’s honorees reflect the heart and soul of the game. As fans prepare for another thrilling season, the legacies of Betts, Judge, Freeman, and others serve as reminders of the talent, passion, and humanity that define Major League Baseball.
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