New York Yankees star Aaron Judge was this close to winning the first hitting Triple Crown in baseball since Miguel Cabrera did it in 2012.
He comfortably paced the American League with 62 home runs and 131 RBI.
His .311 batting average was enough to place him in the top-three in the junior circuit.
Why didn’t he win the Triple Crown?
Because Minnesota Twins infielder Luis Arraez secured the batting title on Wednesday.
“Luis Arráez exits to hugs and an ovation, his first career batting title essentially secure. He walked twice and finished his season with a double, bringing his final average up to .316. Limping and in pain, he’ll finish the season on a 9-game hitting streak,” MLB.com’s Twins beat reporter Do-Hyoung Park tweeted.
Luis Arráez exits to hugs and an ovation, his first career batting title essentially secure.
He walked twice and finished his season with a double, bringing his final average up to .316.
Limping and in pain, he'll finish the season on a 9-game hitting streak.#MNTwins
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) October 5, 2022
The Sweet-Swinging Infielder Won The First Batting Title Of His Career
In a season in which just getting close to .300 should be celebrated because of the tough pitching around the league, Arraez wrapped up his first career batting title.
It could be the first of many for the sweet-swinging infielder.
There is not a lot of power on his frame, but when it comes to putting the bat on the ball, he has few peers.
Arraez hit .316/.375/.420 with eight home runs and a .795 OPS.
He is a big part of the Twins’ future, and despite the collective bad season in Minnesota, Arraez is going home with his first major award/recognition as a major leaguer.
Winning a batting title is no small achievement, and he certainly deserved the ovation he got.
Capable of playing all around the infield, Arraez will be there next year as the Twins try to return to contention and qualify to the postseason.
NEXT: The Twins Did Not Finish Where They Expected To Be