The Washington Nationals announced their 2024 end-of-year awards as chosen by the local media. Infielder Luis García Jr. was named Player of the Year, closer Kyle Finnegan was named Pitcher of the Year, and outfielder Jacob Young was named Good Guy of the Year. Here is how each player made an impact for the Nationals in 2024.
we see THREE good guys here ?
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 27, 2024
congrats to the winners of our ninth-annual end-of-season media awards!
-> https://t.co/e3eoffHB7d pic.twitter.com/AltraCvDMF
Luis García Jr., Kyle Finnegan, Jacob Young win Nationals Media Awards
García’s Remarkable Year
Luis García Jr., 24, won the Nationals Player of the Year Award for the first time in his career. The infielder set many milestones during a breakout 2024 season. He produced just the second 15 home run/20 stolen base season by a Washington second baseman. As of Friday, García Jr. leads the ballclub in hits (135), batting average (.278), RBI (68), OBP (.315), slugging percentage (.438), and OPS (.753). In addition, he ranks second in doubles (25), extra-base hits (43), total bases (213), and third in runs (55). The infielder also set career-highs this season with games (137), at-bats (486), hits, doubles, home runs (17), RBI, and stolen bases (21). He also matched a career-high with 27 walks.
In terms of splits, García Jr. has faced more right-handed pitchers (383) than left-handed pitchers (103). The infielder has played 174 games against right-handers compared to 74 games vs. left-handers. He put up some solid numbers against right-handed pitchers, including a .285/.324/.462 slash line, 16 home runs, 20 doubles, and 59 RBI. However, García Jr.’s numbers against left-handers aren’t on the same level. He has batted .252 with one home run, five doubles, one triple, and nine RBI.
García Jr. also put together the best defensive season of his career with five outs above average and four runs prevented at second base. With both impressive offensive and defensive performances, the infielder should continue to produce similar stats next season too.
Luis García Jr. game-tying three-run homer! pic.twitter.com/ziEUUMAhgk
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 26, 2024
Finnegan’s Exceptional Year on the Mound
Kyle Finnegan, 33, was very successful in 2024, being named to the 2024 National League All-Star roster. He also leads the Nationals with a career-high 38 saves, ranking second in the NL and third in MLB. Finnegan’s 38 saves are the fourth-most in a season in Washington’s franchise history. He is also 3-8 with a 3.59 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings pitched.
In terms of splits, Finnegan has faced 138 right-handed batters compared to 103 left-handed batters in 2024. Against right-handers, the closer has 26 strikeouts with 12 walks, 23 hits, 14 runs and five home runs allowed. Against left-handers, he has 33 strikeouts with 12 walks, 37 hits, 19 runs, and four home runs given up.
This is Finnegan’s second consecutive Pitcher of the Year Award and his third overall, with his first being in 2021. This just goes to show that Finnegan will likely continue to come through in the clutch for Washington.
Young’s Impact On and Off the Field
Jacob Young, 25, showcased his generosity by winning the Good Guy Award in his second season with the Nationals. Off the field, the outfielder has been very active in the community. He visited the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, Children’s Inn, Inova Children’s Hospital, Children’s National Hospital, and attended the Nationals Team UP Festival.
Young has also been productive on the field in 2024. The Gold Glove candidate has a remarkable 32 stolen bases. This stat ranks him second among major league rookies and tied for fourth in the National League. In addition, Young has hit .253 with 24 doubles, one triple, three home runs, and 74 runs scored this season. Defensively, he leads all of MLB with 21 outs above average and 19 runs prevented.
Photo Credit: © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
