The winners for the 2023 Silver Sluggers had been printed via Major League Baseball all through a distinct on MLB Network Thursday evening. The Silver Slugger is awarded to a participant decided on as the most efficient hitter at his place in every league. It was once introduced in 1980 with the likes of George Brett, Robin Yount, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Andre Dawson and Dusty Baker amongst the ones taking home the hardware.
Designated hitters have at all times been awarded within the AL whilst pitchers were given Silver Sluggers within the NL till 2022 (and with the exception of 2020), when it shifted to NL DHs as an alternative of pitchers. Also, each leagues have added a software spot, which was once introduced in 2022 as smartly. Unlike the Gold Glove, outfielders don’t seem to be divided and there are merely 3 outfield winners as an alternative of proper, left and middle.
This isn’t a BBWAA award, so it is not “the media” vote casting. It’s managers and coaches with a statistical element. Here’s how the league describes the choice procedure:
“Each team receives four (4) votes; the manager and three coaches of their choice. Votes are based on a combination of offensive statistics including OPS, OPS+, Home Runs, RBI, Batting Average, Total Bases and Runs as well as the managers’ and coaches’ general impressions of a player’s overall offensive value.”
There had been 3 “finalists” at every place, which have been merely simply the highest 3 vote-getters.
Onto the winners!
American League
First base: Yandy Díaz, Rays
We get started with a first-time winner! Díaz received the AL batting identify and takes home his first Silver Slugger.
Other finalists: Triston Casas, Red Sox; Nathaniel Lowe, Rangers; Spencer Torkelson, Tigers
Second base: Marcus Semien, Rangers
The World Series champion wins his moment Silver Slugger. He drove home 100 runs as a leadoff hitter.
Other finalists: Brandon Drury, Angels; Gleyber Torres, Yankees
Third base: Rafael Devers, Red Sox
It’s the second one Silver Slugger for Devers, who went for more than 30 homers and 100 RBI for the 3rd time.
Other finalists: Alex Bregman, Astros; Isaac Paredes, Rays; José Ramírez, Guardians
Shortstop: Corey Seager, Rangers
More hardware for the two-time World Series MVP, as he now has 3 Silver Sluggers.
Other 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 once his primary breakout season whilst Tucker may be a first-time winner. Julio now has two Silver Sluggers in two seasons.
Other finalists: Randy Arozarena, Rays; Adolis García, Rangers; Aaron Judge, Yankees; Anthony Santander, Orioles;
Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Orioles
The second-year backstop is any other first-time winner right here.
Other finalists: Salvador Perez, Royals; Cal Raleigh, Mariners
Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Angels
Believe it or now not, that is best Ohtani’s moment Silver Slugger, now not his 3rd.
Other finalists: Yordan Alvarez, Astros
Utility: Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
It’s any other Orioles’ first-timer, because the rookie Henderson grabs the hardware.
Other finalists: Brandon Drury, Angels; Isaac Paredes, Rays; Whit Merrifield, Blue Jays
National League
First base: Matt Olson, Braves
Olson set the Braves’ franchise file in home runs (54) and wins his first ever Silver Slugger.
Other finalists: Pete Alonso, Mets; Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
Second base: Luis Arraez, Marlins
After flirting with .400 for a significant portion of the season, Arraez received his moment instantly batting identify and Silver Slugger.
Other finalists: Ozzie Albies, Braves; Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks
Third base: Austin Riley, Braves
As a part of the high-powered Braves lineup, Riley brings home the hardware for the second one time.
Other finalists: Nolan Arenado, Cardinals; Manny Machado, Padres; Max Muncy, Dodgers
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, Mets
Lindor had a 30-30 season and brings home his 3rd Silver Slugger.
Other 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 3rd Silver Slugger. Betts drove home 107 runs from the leadoff spot and brings home his 6th Silver Slugger. Soto has received this award 4 occasions in his six MLB seasons.
Other finalists: Cody Bellinger, Cubs; Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks; Kyle Schwarber, Phillies; Seiya Suzuki, Cubs
Catcher: William Contreras, Brewers
This is the primary Silver Slugger for the more youthful Contreras. In truth, it is the first within the circle of relatives!
Other finalists: Sean Murphy, Braves; J.T. Realmuto, Phillies; Will Smith, Dodgers
Designated hitter: Bryce Harper, Phillies
The two-time MVP Harper wins his 3rd Silver Slugger. This was once a season the place he began at the injured record because of convalescing from Tommy John surgical treatment.
Other finalists: J.D. Martinez, Dodgers; Marcell Ozuna, Braves; Jorge Soler, Marlins
Utility: Cody Bellinger, Cubs
This is the second one Silver Slugger for the previous NL MVP.
Other finalists: Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Ha-Seong Kim, Padres; Spencer Steer, Reds