Freeman, Nola take 2022 team honors

The Philadelphia Athletics today announced the two players honored as winners of their organizational offensive and pitching awards.

First baseman Freddie Freeman was named the Jimmy Foxx Award as the club's offensive player of the year. The award had been taken by either Mike Trout (5) or Bryce Harper (4) in nine of the last 10 years.

The decision on that award was very close, with shortstop Trea Turner also seriously considered. With days left in the regular season, Freeman led the team in AVG, OBP, and Runs with Turner leading at HR, RBI, and SB.

On the mound, the 29-year-old Nola has put together a strong season, leading the staff in IP, K and WHIP, tied for the lead in QS and Wins. He was a fairly easy choice for the honors after lefty starter Julio Urias and closer Edwin Diaz were traded away last month. Also considered was veteran righty Adam Wainwright.

Nola is the ninth straight different pitcher to win the A's organizational Lefty Gove Award. In this 25th season of the club's existence, only Stephen Strasburg in 2012 & 2019 and Yu Darvish in 2013 & 2020 have taken the honors more than once.