Luis Garcia Jr. claims Nationals' Player of the Year among 2024 Media Award Winners

At the conclusion of every regular season, members of the local media vote on three winners for their awards that include Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, and the Good Guy of the Year awards. The local DC media began these end-of-season awards back in 2016, and have carried on the tradition ever since.

Back in 2016, the first annual winners were Daniel Murphy as Player of the Year, Max Scherzer as Pitcher of the Year, and Ryan Zimmerman as Good Guy of the Year. Man, those were the days when we had those guys on our ballclub. Times have certainly changed, but at least 2/3 of this year's winners should be around for a long time.

These awards are similar to the Minor League Players of the Year awards that the organization gives out which were announced last week. The only difference would be that those awards are given out by the organization itself, as likely being voted on by the team's brass, scouts, and likely members of the front office.

2024 Player of the Year Award: 2B Luis Garcia Jr.

This one feels pretty self explanatory, as this is the award given to the best offensive player for the Nationals throughout the season. Needless to say, there was no question about who would bring home this year's award, with second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. The 2024 season was a true breakout year for him, and he put together a phenomenal season. Still just 24-years-old, Garcia put together a .282/.318/.444 slash line with 18 homers, 70 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases. He truly reached a lot of his potential this season, and could be in line for a 20-20 year next season.

Other receiving votes included CJ Abrams and Jacob Young.

2024 Pitcher of the Year Award: RHP Kyle Finnegan

The recipient of the 2024 Pitcher of the Year Award was presented to Kyle Finnegan. While 2024 was a true tale of two halves for the Nats' closer, he was arguably the most reliable and consistent arm that the Nationals had all season, when examining his total body of work. He was named an All-Star for the first time in his career, and converted 38/43 save chances to go along with a 3.68 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. While we as fans would undoubtedly love to see him be closer to who he was in the first half, we will definitely take a closer who could convert 88% of his save opportunities for a rebuilding club.

Others receiving votes included Jake Irvin and DJ Herz.

2024 Good Guy Award: OF Jacob Young

Jacob Young took home the final award of 2024 was the Good Guy Award, similar to the "Nationals Way" Award presented to select minor leaguers, except is more focused on off-field efforts than on-field performance and preparation. According to Nationals Communications, "Young has been active in the community, visiting the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, Children’s Inn, Inova Children’s Hospital, Children’s National Hospital and attending the Nationals Team UP Festival." which made him more than deserving for this award. While potentially facing an uncertain offseason, the Nats' Gold Glove candidate will always be a good guy to us.

Others receiving votes included Ildemaro Vargas, Patrick Corbin, Derek Law, Jacob Barnes, Luis García Jr., Josiah Gray, DJ Herz and Jake Irvin.

Is there anyone else you would have chosen to win any of these awards? If so, who? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.