Phillies Slugger Is Aaron Award Finalist

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter/first baseman Bryce Harper is among the National League finalists for the Hank Aaron Award, given in each league to the best overall offensive player in each league.

The winners are determined by a combination of votes from a panel of Hall of Famers and a fan vote.

Harper has won the award twice — in 2015 with the Washington Nationals and in 2021 with the Phillies. He and the Phillies are preparing for Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.

Harper started the season on the injured list as he recovered from Tommy John surgery after playing with the torn ligament last season during the Phillies’ World Series run. He didn’t return to the lineup until May and didn’t return to the field until July when he started playing a little first base. He’s now emerged as the Phillies’ primary first baseman the past few weeks.

He managed to play 126 games for the Phillies, slashing .293/.401/.499/.900 with 21 home runs and 72 RBI. He also scored 84 runs.

The winners of the award will be announced in November.

2023 Hank Aaron Award Finalists

American League

Yordan Alvarez, Astros; Yandy Díaz, Rays; Adolis García, Rangers; Aaron Judge, Yankees; Shohei Ohtani, Angels; Julio Rodríguez, Mariners; Corey Seager, Rangers; Marcus Semien, Rangers; Kyle Tucker, Astros

National League

Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves; Luis Arraez, Marlins; Cody Bellinger, Cubs; Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Corbin Carroll, D-backs; Freddie Freeman, Dodgers; Bryce Harper, Phillies; Matt Olson, Braves; Juan Soto, Padres