The Kansas City Royals announced their 2019 team award winners today, which were voted on by the Kansas City Chapter of the BBWAA. Outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler was named the Les Milgram Player of the Year, right-hander Ian Kennedy garnered the Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year, while infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield received the Joe Burke Special Achievement Award.
Soler, 27, had a breakout year in 2019, becoming the first Royal to lead the American League in home runs, hitting a team-record 48. His total was 10 more than the previous record, set by Mike Moustakas in 2017.