Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox and Jake McCarthy of the Colorado Rockies have earned the American League and National League Player of the Week honors, respectively, following dominant offensive stretches at the plate, according to reports from BVMSports.com. Abreu powered Boston with a 1.584 OPS and three home runs, while McCarthy led Major League Baseball with 14 hits and maintained a .519 batting average for the week.
Abreu and the Red Sox Offense Keep Rolling
According to team reporting, the 27-year-old Abreu followed teammate Ceddanne Rafaela’s strong end to July with a massive week of his own, tallying seven hits across five games to help Boston secure a 4-1 record. Abreu led the American League with nine RBIs from August 3 through August 9, drawing five walks while striking out just twice in 23 plate appearances.
BVMSports.com noted that Abreu’s two-homer performance against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday fueled a blowout victory, marking Boston’s sixth win during a nine-game winning streak. Abreu now holds a .255 batting average with 20 home runs and a 4.6 bWAR on the season. Having earned the same weekly honor three weeks prior, he stands as just the fourth repeat winner in the American League, joining Yordan Alvarez, Ben Rice, and Buxton.
McCarthy Shines Bright Amid Rockies’ Struggles
For McCarthy, his first season with Colorado has proven to be a resounding success, according to BVMSports.com. The outfielder recorded a hit in all six games last week, pushing his 2026 batting average above the .300 threshold to sit at .306, which ranks fourth best in the National League. McCarthy’s 14 hits led the majors, and he struck out only once in 28 plate appearances.
Despite McCarthy’s offensive output, the Rockies managed just a 1-5 record over the week. BVMSports.com highlighted that his .519 average and 1.352 OPS served as a rare bright spot during a difficult stretch for the franchise. Turning 29 on July 30, McCarthy is the first Colorado player to claim this honor in 2026.
Defensive Highlights and Play of the Week Honors
Beyond offensive output, Milwaukee Brewers rookie Luis Lara captured Play of the Week recognition due to a miraculous leaping catch during Sunday’s extra-inning contest. Operating in right field, the 70-grade fielding prospect robbed Minnesota Twins hitter Kody Clemens of potential extra bases in the top of the 10th inning by crashing into the wall.
The defensive gem kept Minnesota scoreless in the frame, allowing Milwaukee to secure a 4-3 walk-off victory in the bottom half of the inning. Lara’s quick ascent through the Brewers’ system continues to be defined by high-impact plays in the outfield.
Did You Know? Wilyer Abreu is just the fourth repeat winner in the American League to capture multiple Player of the Week awards, putting him alongside Yordan Alvarez, Ben Rice, and Byron Buxton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the MLB Player of the Week awards for the second week of August?
Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox won the American League honor, and Jake McCarthy of the Colorado Rockies won the National League award, according to BVMSports.com.
What were Wilyer Abreu’s stats during his award-winning week?
Abreu posted a 1.584 OPS, hit three home runs, collected seven hits, drove in nine runs, and drew five walks over five games.
How did Jake McCarthy perform for the Rockies?
McCarthy recorded 14 hits in six games, batted .519 with a 1.352 OPS, and struck out only once in 28 plate appearances, raising his season average to .306.
Who won Play of the Week honors?
Milwaukee Brewers rookie Luis Lara earned the award after robbing Kody Clemens of extra bases with a leaping catch into the outfield wall during the 10th inning.
Join the Conversation
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