Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales picks up another postseason MLB award

Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales was named the winner of the 2015 Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award on Tuesday.

Voted on by a panel of baseball beat writers, broadcasters and American League public relations departments, the annual award was created in 1973 to recognize the top DH in the game. It was named after Martinez in 2004.

Morales, 32, hit .295 for the Royals this season, his first with the club on a two-year free-agent contract worth $17 million. He recorded 39 doubles, 21 home runs, 104 RBI and 78 runs scored in 141 games.

A switch-hitting nine-year veteran, Morales was the first Royal to drive in 100 runs since Billy Butler in 2012. Morales also earned the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award earlier this offseason.

KC’s past winners of the Edgar Martinez award include Butler (2012) and Hal McRae (1976, 1980 and 1982).

Boston’s David Ortiz, who has won the award seven times, finished second in the balloting.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 4:57 PM.