Though the organization greatly valued his handling of its dynamic pitching staff and defense behind the plate, it decided after two mostly disappointing seasons offensively to decline his $4.5 million option.

On the strength of his 31 homers and another strong year behind the plate, Zunino on Friday was named winner of the Don Zimmer Most Valuable Player Award, presented annually by the Tampa Bay chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Outfielder Randy Arozarena, who has had a solid first full season in the majors (.271 with 19 homers and 65 RBIs) after his remarkable 2020 postseason performance, was voted Outstanding Rookie.

Infielder Joey Wendle was chosen winner of the Paul C. Smith Champion Award, given to the player who best exemplifies the spirit of true professionalism on and off the field.

“I’m extremely grateful for (general manager Erik Neander) and the organization to put that trust in me for another year.

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