USA Today via Reuters
Sep 7, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) reacts after losing his bat on a swing against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 7, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) reacts after losing his bat on a swing against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a stellar run in the 2021 season, carrying forward his family’s legacy in the sport. For the same, the 22-year-old was honored with the Hank Aaron Award, becoming the youngest recipient of the honor.
Guerrero Jr.’s father (Vladimir Guerrero) is a former baseball icon and a Hall of Famer. Living up to the set expectations, Vladimir clinched some incredible numbers in the 2021 season to win the award.
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Guerrero Jr’s 2021 performance
Major League Baseball started the Hank Aaron Award back in 1999. The Award was started in memory of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who had broken Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Every year, the award is given to the best offensive player in the American League and the National League.
Blue Jays’ Infielder Vladimir started his professional baseball career in 2019 and is already stealing the top spots. Just 22-years-old, he became the youngest winner of the Hank Aaron award, as he clinched the honor in American League. Whereas, Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper won from the National League.
via Getty
Toronto, ON- September 15 – Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) smiles in the dugout. Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-3 at Rogers Centre in Toronto. September 15, 2021. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
In his astonishing 2021 season, Vladimir smashed 48 home runs, creating a record of most number of HRs by a player 22 or younger. Notably, he had a 1.002 on-base percentage, 116 wRC+, and 6.7 WAR.
At just 22 years old, Vlad Guerrero Jr. put on an offensive clinic to earn the AL Hank Aaron Award. pic.twitter.com/vk2FKjKziN
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) November 9, 2021
Interestingly, his 2021 season’s contention for awards is not over, as he is the finalist for one of MLB’s most prestigious honors.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr is in contention for MVP
Every season, fans wait for the announcement of the Most Valuable Player of the Season award for the American League and the National League. Notably, the Young Blue Jays’ star has marked his place on the AL MVP contenders list. However, he is up against one of the most versatile players in MLB’s history, Shohei Ohtani.
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 29, 2021 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels’ star, Ohtani, has proved himself as the most incredible two-way player with his hitting and pitching skills. However, Vladimir has smashed more home runs than the Japanese player; Ohtani recorded 46 home runs, while Vladimir has a record of 48.
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Do you think Vladimir can defeat Shohei Ohtani to win the AL MVP award?
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