Seattle Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz won the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter of the Year Award on Thursday.
Martinez, the former Mariners great who is now the team's hitting coach, said in a statement that Cruz "is truly deserving of the honor."
"I see first-hand how his presence both in the clubhouse and in our lineup provide stability that makes his teammates around him better. While he goes about his work in a quiet way, we are glad that he is receiving the national recognition that he deserves," Martinez said.
Cruz, 37, finished last season with a .