Major League Baseball

Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton, Casey McGehee honored by their peers

Published Nov. 3, 2014 9:15 p.m. ET

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Two Miami Marlins were honored by their peers during the Players Choice Awards Monday night.

Slugger Giancarlo Stanton received National League Outstanding Player, while third baseman Casey McGehee earned NL Comeback Player.

Stanton paced the league in home runs (37), total bases (299), slugging percentage (.555) and RBI (105) when his season was cut short on Sept. 11 by a pitch to the face. Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison and Los Angeles' Clayton Kershaw were the other finalists.

"It means a lot to me," Stanton told MLB Network. "It just reflects on the respect I have for my peers and that they have for me going against, battling every day. It reflects on the season."

The 24-year-old, who said he's feeling good but does "have some headaches coming in and out on occasion," will be ready come spring training. Miami intends to offer him a long-term deal by next month's winter meetings. Stanton was also a finalist for Player of the Year but lost out to Kershaw. During the World Series, he was presented the Hank Aaron Award given to the top offensive player in each league.

Asked whether he was surprised by the team's success this season, Stanton said he wasn't but that it's "a matter of putting it together for all six months." This year, he stepped up his leadership.

"Lead by example," Stanton said. "You've got to show up every day, give it your all, give advice. We've got a lot of young guys -- I'm young as well -- but I'm considered the veteran on the team. You've got to lead by example and give tidbits."

McGehee, meanwhile, beat out Pittsburgh's Edinson Volquez and San Francisco's Tim Hudson for his honor. The 32-year-old led all NL third basemen in average (.287) and fielding percentage (.979). He finished third in RBI (76). McGehee also earned the honor from The Sporting News last month.

After spending 2013 in Japan, the Marlins signed him over the offseason, promising he would play every day. McGehee called it a "no brainer" and appeared in 160 games.

"I didn't know if I was ever going to get a chance to play again in the big leagues," McGehee told MLB Network. "Re-prove to myself and the organization that I could do it. I couldn't be happier about the choice I made. ... Hopefully this is the last time I have to accept this one."

The Players Choice Awards have taken place since 1992. The Players Trust has contributed more than $3.8 million to charities around the world on behalf of each winner.

You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.

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