Who was named the August 2018 American League Player of the Month?

J. D. Martinez was named the American League Player of the Month for August 2018.

Martinez earned the award during his first season with the Boston Red Sox, who had acquired him as a free agent before the 2018 campaign. In August, he hit .373 with 7 home runs, 24 runs batted in, and a .453 on-base percentage, helping Boston maintain the American League's best record.

The award was announced on September 4, 2018. Martinez shared the broader MLB monthly spotlight with Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, who won the National League honor. That distinction is a common source of confusion: Turner was the National League winner, while Martinez was the American League winner.

Martinez's August award capped an outstanding season. He finished 2018 with 43 home runs, 130 RBI, and a .330 batting average, led the American League in RBI, and helped the Red Sox win the World Series. The name is commonly styled “J.D. Martinez,” but “J. D. Martinez” identifies the same player.