The winners for the 2023 Silver Sluggers have been revealed by Main League Baseball throughout a particular on MLB Community Thursday evening.
The Silver Slugger is awarded to a participant chosen as the very best hitter at his place in every league. It was launched in 1980 with the likes of George Brett, Robin Yount, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Andre Dawson and Dusty Baker amongst these taking house the {hardware}.
Designated hitters have at all times been awarded within the AL whereas pitchers received Silver Sluggers within the NL till 2022 (and excluding 2020), when it shifted to NL DHs as a substitute of pitchers. Additionally, each leagues have added a utility spot, which was launched in 2022 as effectively. Not like the Gold Glove, outfielders aren’t divided and there are merely three outfield winners as a substitute of proper, left and heart.
This isn’t a BBWAA award, so it is not “the media” voting. It is managers and coaches with a statistical part. This is how the league describes the choice course of:
“Every crew receives 4 (4) votes; the supervisor and three coaches of their alternative. Votes are primarily based on a mixture of offensive statistics together with OPS, OPS+, Residence Runs, RBI, Batting Common, Complete Bases and Runs in addition to the managers’ and coaches’ basic impressions of a participant’s total offensive worth.”
There have been three “finalists” at every place, which had been merely simply the highest three vote-getters.
Onto the winners!
American League
First base: Yandy Díaz, Rays
We begin with a first-time winner! Díaz gained the AL batting title and takes house his first Silver Slugger.
Different finalists: Triston Casas, Crimson Sox; Nathaniel Lowe, Rangers; Spencer Torkelson, Tigers
Second base: Marcus Semien, Rangers
The World Collection champion wins his second Silver Slugger. He drove house 100 runs as a leadoff hitter.
Different finalists: Brandon Drury, Angels; Gleyber Torres, Yankees
Third base: Rafael Devers, Crimson Sox
It is the second Silver Slugger for Devers, who went for greater than 30 homers and 100 RBI for the third time.
Different finalists: Alex Bregman, Astros; Isaac Paredes, Rays; José Ramírez, Guardians
Shortstop: Corey Seager, Rangers
Extra {hardware} for the two-time World Collection MVP, as he now has three Silver Sluggers.
Different finalists: J.P. Crawford, Mariners; Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
Outfielders: Luis Robert Jr., White Sox; Julio Rodríguez, Mariners; Kyle Tucker, Astros
Robert wins his first Silver Slugger in what was his main breakout season whereas Tucker can also be a first-time winner. Julio now has two Silver Sluggers in two seasons.
Different finalists: Randy Arozarena, Rays; Adolis García, Rangers; Aaron Decide, Yankees; Anthony Santander, Orioles;
Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Orioles
The second-year backstop is one other first-time winner right here.
Different finalists: Salvador Perez, Royals; Cal Raleigh, Mariners
Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Angels
Imagine it or not, that is solely Ohtani’s second Silver Slugger, not his third.
Different finalists: Yordan Alvarez, Astros;
Utility: Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
It is one other Orioles’ first-timer, because the rookie Henderson grabs the {hardware}.
Different finalists: Brandon Drury, Angels; Isaac Paredes, Rays; Whit Merrifield, Blue Jays
Nationwide League
First base: Matt Olson, Braves
Olson set the Braves’ franchise document in house runs (54) and wins his first ever Silver Slugger.
Different finalists: Pete Alonso, Mets; Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
Second base: Luis Arraez, Marlins
After flirting with .400 for a superb portion of the season, Arraez gained his second straight batting title and Silver Slugger.
Different finalists: Ozzie Albies, Braves; Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
Third base: Austin Riley, Braves
As a part of the high-powered Braves lineup, Riley brings house the {hardware} for the second time.
Different finalists: Nolan Arenado, Cardinals; Manny Machado, Padres; Max Muncy, Dodgers
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, Mets
Lindor had a 30-30 season and brings house his third Silver Slugger.
Different finalists: Xander Bogaerts, Padres; Dansby Swanson, Cubs; Trea Turner, Phillies
Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves; Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Juan Soto, Padres
Acuña made historical past along with his 40+ homers and 70+ steals to win his third Silver Slugger. Betts drove house 107 runs from the leadoff spot and brings house his sixth Silver Slugger. Soto has gained this award 4 occasions in his six MLB seasons.
Different finalists: Cody Bellinger, Cubs; Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks; Kyle Schwarber, Phillies; Seiya Suzuki, Cubs
Catcher: William Contreras, Brewers
That is the primary Silver Slugger for the youthful Contreras. In truth, it is the primary within the household!
Different finalists: Sean Murphy, Braves; J.T. Realmuto, Phillies; Will Smith, Dodgers
Designated hitter: Bryce Harper, Phillies
The 2-time MVP Harper wins his third Silver Slugger. This was a season the place he began on the injured listing because of recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure.
Different finalists: J.D. Martinez, Dodgers; Marcell Ozuna, Braves; Jorge Soler, Marlins
Utility: Cody Bellinger, Cubs
That is the second Silver Slugger for the previous NL MVP.
Different finalists: Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Ha-Seong Kim, Padres; Spencer Steer, Reds
