Vlad Jr. Named Blue Jays Player of the Year; Headlines Team Awards
Photo credit: R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. keeps piling up the accolades. His impressive 2024 season, a bounce back from an up-and-down 2023, has led to him being named Blue Jays player of the year. It is Vlad's third win in four seasons.
The honour, officially called the Neal McCarl Award, was voted on by the Toronto Chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, who also bestowed it upon Vlad in 2021 and 2022.
While there wasn''t much to get excited about during and after the Jays season last year, Vlad being back is definitely one of them. His 30 HRs, 103 RBIs, as well as his 44 doubles and .323. average, made him the obvious choice for Blue Jays player of the year.
Vlad Jr. wasn't the only Blue Jay to given an award by the association however. Jose Berrios' strong season led him to being named Blue Jays pitcher of the year, while everyone's favourite Zen Master Bowden Francis took home most improved. First-baseman-2nd baseman Spencer Horwitz was named the club's top rookie while former catcher Danny Jansen, who was traded to the Boston Red Sox in July, was given the John Cerutti Award.
The John Cerutti Award is a beloved honour in Blue Jays circles. Re- named after the former Jays pitcher and broadcaster after his death in 2004, it goes to the player who best demonstrates character, goodwill, and cooperation.
The late Blue Jays colour commentator was well-known for his character, sportsmanship, and all-around good guy nature, qualities which Jansen, the beloved former catcher, clearly shares.
After a down 2023, Berrios also re-bounded nicely year, leading the Jays rotation with 192 2/3 innings pitched to go along with a 16-12 record and a 3.60 ERA, which was his best since 2021. He beat out follow starter Kevin Gausman, receiving 19 out of a possible 22 votes.
While there were a few other candidates for Blue Jays rookie of the year, Horwitz seemed the most logical choice after he found his footing at the plate, hitting 12 homers in 97 games. 2nd place went to Yariel Rodriguez.
Finally, Francis attained folk-hero status with his three no-hit bids, including back-to-back efforts, late in the season. He will continue to be a key piece of the pitching staff heading into 2025.
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