Major League Baseball today announced the finalists for the 2018 Hank Aaron Award, which has recognized the most outstanding offensive performer in each League since it was established in 1999. For the ninth year in a row, Baseball fans have a say in the winners of this prestigious award. Fans can vote for their American and National League selections online at MLB.com and the 30 Club sites starting today and running through October 8.
Three former Aaron Award winners are amongst this year's finalists: Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt and Giancarlo Stanton. Thirteen finalists were named All-Stars this year and overall the 30 finalists combined to have been named All-Stars 46 times. The group also features 22 players under the age of 30, with 7 aged 25 or younger. The finalists for the 2018 Hank Aaron Award are:
American League    
Baltimore Orioles: Adam Jones
Boston Red Sox: J.D. Martinez
Chicago White Sox: José Abreu 
Cleveland Indians: José Ramírez
Detroit Tigers: Nicholas Castellanos
Houston Astros: Alex Bregman
Kansas City Royals: Whit Merrifield
Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout
Minnesota Twins: Eddie Rosario
New York Yankees: Giancarlo Stanton
Oakland Athletics: Khris Davis
Seattle Mariners: Mitch Haniger 
Tampa Bay Rays: Joey Wendle
Texas Rangers: Joey Gallo
Toronto Blue Jays:Justin Smoak
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks: Paul Goldschmidt
Atlanta Braves: Freddie Freeman 
Chicago Cubs: Javier Báez
Cincinnati Reds: Scooter Gennett
Colorado Rockies: Trevor Story
Los Angeles Dodgers: Max Muncy
Miami Marlins: J.T. Realmuto
Milwaukee Brewers: Christian Yelich
New York Mets: Michael Conforto 
Philadelphia Phillies: Rhys Hoskins
Pittsburgh Pirates: Gregory Polanco
San Diego Padres: Franmil Reyes
San Francisco Giants: Evan Longoria
St. Louis Cardinals: Matt Carpenter
Washington Nationals: Anthony Rendon
Also for the ninth consecutive year, a special panel of Hall of Fame players, led by Hank Aaron himself, will also vote on the winners of the award, which is officially sanctioned by Major League Baseball.
The panel of Hall of Famers include Roberto Alomar, Johnny Bench, Craig Biggio, Ken Griffey Jr., Eddie Murray and Robin Yount. These Hall of Famers - who combined for 17,010 hits, 8,844 RBI and 2,275 home runs - have all been personally selected by Aaron to lend their expertise to select the best offensive performer in each League.  
Continuing through October 8, fans have the opportunity to select one American League and one National League winner from a list comprising of one finalist per Club. The winners of the 2018 Hank Aaron Award will be announced during the 114th World Series. 
Past winners of the Hank Aaron Award include: Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Altuve (2017); Kris Bryant and David Ortiz (2016); Donaldson and Bryce Harper (2015); Stanton and Trout (2014); Miguel Cabrera and Goldschmidt (2013); Cabrera and Posey (2012); Jose Bautista and Matt Kemp (2011); Bautista and Votto (2010); Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols (2009); Aramis Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis (2008); Alex Rodriguez and Prince Fielder (2007); Jeter and Ryan Howard (2006); Ortiz and Andruw Jones (2005); Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds (2004); Rodriguez and Pujols (2003); Rodriguez and Bonds (2001-02); Carlos Delgado and Todd Helton (2000) and Manny Ramirez and Sammy Sosa (1999).
The Hank Aaron Award was introduced in 1999 to honor the 25th Anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record, and, at that time, was the first major award introduced by Major League Baseball in more than 25 years.