The heat of July has paved the way for an even more exciting August in the world of baseball. But before we step into the next chapter of the season, let’s take a moment to honor the outstanding contributors who made July an unforgettable month.
Here’s a salute to the Chevrolet Players of the Month, Pitchers of the Month, Rookies of the Month, and Relievers of the Month, whose outstanding performances were recognized on MLB Network this past Wednesday.
AL and NL Players of the Month
In every sports league, the Player of the Month title is a coveted recognition, a symbol of exceptional performance and distinguished contribution to the team. It signifies a player’s consistency, agility, and dedication throughout the month. Let’s delve into the accomplishments of the American League and National League Players of the Month for July, whose phenomenal performances have left an indelible imprint on their fans and the sport of baseball.
Shohei Ohtani, LAA, AL Player of the Month
The dynamic Ohtani made it back-to-back by winning his second AL Player of the Month Award in a row. His astounding performance in 2023 showed no signs of slowing down in July. He recorded a .282 batting average, a 1.152 OPS, and struck the most home runs in the AL with nine over 23 games. In addition, his starting stint included striking out 29 batters in 25 1/3 innings, while maintaining a 4.97 ERA.
Cody Bellinger, CHC, NL Player of the Month
Bellinger’s career reached a new milestone when he won his second Player of the Month Award, the first being in April 2019. His comeback was quite impressive in July, thanks to his .400/.432/.690 slash line with a 1.122 OPS, eight home runs, and 24 RBIs.
AL and NL Pitchers of the Month
- Tyler Glasnow, TB, AL Pitcher of the Month – Glasnow bounced back from a left oblique injury to return to his dominant form in July. With six starts under his belt for the month, he recorded a 2.11 ERA, striking out 51 batters in 38 1/3 innings, and holding opponents to a measly .186 batting average. This is his second Pitcher of the Month Award, the first being in April 2019.
- Corbin Burnes, MIL, NL Pitcher of the Month – Despite being a Cy Young Award winner, July marked Burnes’s first Pitcher of the Month title. His six starts in July saw him register a 1.85 ERA with a 0.72 WHIP, striking out 47 batters in 39 innings. Opposing batters managed only a collective .115 average with a .169 slugging percentage, the lowest for pitchers with at least 20 innings in July.
Rookies of the Month
- AL Rookie of the Month: Triston Casas, BOS – Casas had a successful ascent in May and June, but his performance skyrocketed in July. He recorded a .349/.442/.758 slash line with a 1.199 OPS, and seven home runs in 21 games, earning his first AL Rookie of the Month award.
- NL Rookie of the Month: Francisco Alvarez, NYM – Alvarez became the first Met to win the NL Rookie of the Month since Pete Alonso in 2019. His July performance included eight home runs, 16 RBIs, a team-leading .623 slugging percentage, and a .974 OPS.
Relievers of the Month
| Player | League | Team | Remarks |
| Félix Bautista | AL | BAL | Bautista made 11 scoreless appearances in July, striking out 25 against four walks. His saves (8) outnumbered his baserunners (7), earning him his third AL Reliever of the Month award for 2023. |
| Devin Williams | NL | MIL | Williams was back to his top form in July, recording 10 saves, a 1.54 ERA with 21 strikeouts, and a 0.94 WHIP in 12 appearances. This is Williams’ third NL Reliever of the Month award and the first since August 2021. |
July was a testament to the exceptional skills and unwavering determination of these players. As we gear up for the exciting battles of August, it will be thrilling to see who will step into the limelight next!
The Future Ahead: What these Honors Mean for the Players
Garnering these monthly accolades does not merely contribute to a player’s individual accolades. Instead, it symbolizes something much grander. The Players of the Month award signifies the relentless spirit, indomitable determination, and unwavering commitment these athletes exhibit on the field. Each strike, each home run, and each inning they play serves as a testament to their hard work and resilience.
As we move forward in the season, these awards have set the momentum for the players, pushing them to strive for higher milestones. They serve as a beacon of inspiration, not just for these athletes, but also for their teammates, their rivals, and the countless fans watching at home. Each game, each inning, and each pitch will be a step forward in their journey, guided by the recognition they’ve achieved and the desire to attain more. The real game has just begun.
