Giancarlo Stanton Wins Hank Aaron Award

Oct 25, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (middle) waves to the crowd as he is awarded the Hank Aaron Award by newly elected commissioner Rob Manfred (left) and Hank Aaron before game four of the 2014 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Giancarlo Stanton has been awarded the Hank Aaron award, becoming the first Marlin to win the award in their history. Manny Navarro, a writer for the Miami Herald, wrote about the prestigious honor. Stanton was in good company upon receiving the award as Hank Aaron was on hand to meet the big slugger.

The Hank Aaron award is given yearly to the best hitter in both the National League and the American League. Mike Trout was the winner for the A.L., but was not on hand to accept the award. Stanton clubbed 37 home runs to accompany his .288/.395/.555 slash line.

The award may have to serve as a consolation prize for Stanton as most prognosticators believe that Clayton Kershaw will win the MVP award along with the National League Cy Young. I, for one, am hoping that this is not the case, but believe it is a pretty tall order for Stanton to overcome one of the best pitching seasons in recent history.

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Regardless what happens, this award belongs to Stanton, and it is one that he has earned without question. Giancarlo didn’t just take a step forward this season, he tore the door off it’s hinges and jumped right through.

This offseason figures to be a big one for Stanton. In addition to the awards that he will receive, the Marlins have made it clear they are going to do their best to negotiate a long-term contract with him. While that will be a difficult task, it is one that most Marlins’ fans are desperately hoping will come to fruition.

I believe that Stanton definitely deserves this award, and the MVP as well. His defense and offense set him apart this year. I am hopeful that we will get to watch the big guy play for years to come.