Pete Crow-Armstrong, Yordan Alvarez Win 2026 MLB Hank Aaron Awards for AL and NL

No surprises here.

After dominant seasons, Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez and Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong were named the AL and NL Hank Aaron Award winners on Wednesday.

The award is given to the top offensive performer from each league, as decided by fans and a panel of Hall of Fame players. And with both Alvarez and Crow-Armstrong expected to win their respective MVP awards, neither selection came as much of a surprise.

Alvarez, 29, led the American League in batting average (.316), was tied for second in homers (42), was second in RBI (106), tied for third in runs (105), was tied for fourth in doubles (34), was second in wins-above replacement (6.8) among position players and led the league in OPS (1.033).

While players like Pete Alonso (43 homers, 113 RBI, .884 OPS) and Junior Caminero (42 homers, 101 RBI, .885 OPS) had fantastic seasons, there was no denying Alvarez.

Crow-Armstrong, 24, hit .280 and tied for first in the National League in homers (45), was first in runs (119), third in RBI (107), tied for fifth in tripes (eight), was first in OPS (.943) and first in position-player WAR (9.8).

Some of his MVP-worthy impact is absolutely related to his fantastic defense, but he was easily the NL's most impactful bat this season as well and a worthy winner of the Hank Aaron Award.

Other players who made a case included Kyle Schwarber (45 homers, 97 RBI, .857 OPS) and James Wood (30 homers, 77 RBI, 106 runs, 21 stolen bases, .891 OPS).