Marcell Ozuna nominated for prestigious Hank Aaron Award
2024 was a great season for Atlanta Braves slugger as he led the team with the best batting average, most home runs, and most RBI. He is a big reason the Braves found a way into the postseason at all.
His final contracted year with the team couldn't have gone any better and is a big reason why Atlanta plans on picking up his $16 million club option this offseason.
Ozuna is being recognized for his wonderful season as he was announced as a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award.
Congrats to the Big Bear for being named a Hank Aaron Award Finalist!
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 7, 2024
Fan voting takes place now through October 13th.
VOTE: https://t.co/5zKgu4RybS pic.twitter.com/C9EMvgvwnc
This is awarded annually to the best overall offensive performer in each league. The award was introduced in 1999 to mark the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record. A panel of Hall of Famers will combine with a fan vote to determine the winners.
The award is voted on by fans until October 13th and also combined with a vote from a panel of Hall of Famers. While Ozuna is deserving, the award will most likely go to Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani. Regardless of the outcome, it is nice to see Marcell get credit for his accomplishment.
Braves' superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. begins journey back to the field
Losing Ronald Acuna Jr. was one of the most devastating blows for Braves fans in 2024. His second knee injury was just par for the course this season. Atlanta couldn't avoid injuries no matter how hard they tried.
However, that season is mercifully over now and fans can look forward to 2025. Acuna is already on the mend as he's back in the gym preparing for his return.
Reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. is back in the gym👀 pic.twitter.com/Zol17Cs7Wx
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) October 8, 2024
Acuna recently spoke at a press conference and stated he planned on being more patient this go around. He felt like he rushed things after his 2021 injury and tried to play through the pain instead of sitting out if he felt discomfort.
That is the right decision but leaves the Braves with a bit of concern as he also mentioned that he doesn't believe he can steal as many bases now. It is such a huge part of his game but it's understandable that he'd be cautious. But, hopefully, he can come back healthy and give Atlanta a great offensive season.
Philadelphia Phillies bounced from playoffs early by the Mets
It's never fun to see your rivals succeed and make it to the postseason but Braves fans had to watch two of their most hated rivals take on each other in the NLDS. The Phillies and Mets squared off in what many thought would be a hard-fought series.
However, the table turned quickly on the Phillies as the Mets had a handle on the entire series. Philadelphia looked flat offensively and their pitching couldn't contain a surging Mets offense. The series looked eerily similar to Atlanta's NLDS loss to Philly in 2023.
That's a goosebumps type moment. pic.twitter.com/dZ04kRz4Gz
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) October 9, 2024
It's hard seeing the Mets move forward to face either the Dodgers or Padres for the NLCS but it's also nice to know the Phillies got to experience the same misfortune. They talked a lot about the Braves winning the division but failing to advance past the NLDS last season. Karma comes for everyone eventually.