Major League Baseball celebrated the standout hitters of the 2023 season by announcing the recipients of the prestigious Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards on Thursday night, as revealed on MLB Network.
1. Silver Slugger Overview:
The Silver Slugger Awards, voted on by MLB managers and coaches, recognize the top offensive player at each position in each league. This includes three outfielders, one utility player, and, for the first time, a team award in each league.
2. Award Highlights:
Sixteen teams boasted at least one Silver Slugger winner, with the Braves leading with three awards. Notable recipients include seven first-time winners and a rookie awardee.
3. First Basemen:
– AL Winner (Yandy Díaz, Rays): Díaz secured the first batting title in Rays history, finishing with a franchise-best .330 average.
– NL Winner (Matt Olson, Braves): Olson led the Majors in home runs and RBIs, setting records for the Braves.
4. Second Basemen:
– AL Winner (Marcus Semien, Rangers): Semien, a Silver Slugger winner for the second time in three seasons, was a finalist for AL MVP.
– NL Winner (Luis Arraez, Marlins): Arraez achieved a historic feat, earning consecutive batting titles in both leagues.
5. Shortstops:
– AL Winner (Corey Seager, Rangers): Seager, despite missing six weeks due to injuries, delivered impressive stats, finishing second in AL batting average.
– NL Winner (Francisco Lindor, Mets): Lindor showcased improved performance over the season’s latter half, hitting 31 home runs and 31 steals.
6. Third Basemen:
– AL Winner (Rafael Devers, Red Sox): Devers reached the 30-homer, 100-RBI plateau for the third time in his career.
– NL Winner (Austin Riley, Braves): Riley led in multiple categories, including runs, hits, and home runs among qualified third basemen.
7. Outfielders:
– AL Winners (Luis Robert Jr., White Sox; Julio Rodríguez, Mariners; Kyle Tucker, Astros): Standout performances included Robert’s 38 home runs and Rodríguez’s historic back-to-back 30-30 seasons.
– NL Winners (Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves; Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Juan Soto, Padres): Acuña impressed with 41 homers and 73 steals, while Betts recorded 39 home runs and 80 extra-base hits.
8. Catchers:
– AL Winner (Adley Rutschman, Orioles): Rutschman, in his sophomore season, excelled with 20 homers and 92 walks.
– NL Winner (William Contreras, Brewers): Contreras contributed significantly to the Brewers’ lineup with 17 home runs and leading in doubles.
9. Designated Hitters:
– AL Winner (Shohei Ohtani, Angels): Ohtani’s remarkable season included 44 homers, a 184 OPS+, and leading in on-base percentage and total bases.
– NL Winner (Bryce Harper, Phillies): Despite a delayed start to the season, Harper showcased power with 21 homers and 51 extra-base hits.
10. Utility Players:
– AL Winner (Gunnar Henderson, Orioles): Henderson, a rookie standout, hit 28 homers, scored 100 runs, and displayed versatility in positions.
– NL Winner (Cody Bellinger, Cubs): Bellinger thrived with the Cubs, achieving notable improvements in batting and strikeout rates.
11. Offensive Teams of the Year:
– The Rangers (AL) and Braves (NL) secured the Offensive Teams of the Year awards, determined by a combination of team offensive statistics and fan votes.
In summary, the 2023 Silver Slugger Awards celebrated outstanding individual performances across various positions and recognized exceptional team offenses in both leagues.