MLB’s elite hitters were celebrated on Tuesday night as the 2024 Silver Slugger Award winners were announced on MLB Network.
Voted on by Major League managers and coaches, this prestigious hitting award recognizes the top offensive player at each position in each league. Awards are given to three outfielders (regardless of specific position) and one utility player in each league.
Fourteen teams boast at least one Silver Slugger winner this season, with seven players earning their first recognitions. On the other end of the spectrum, two players achieved their seventh Silver Slugger, a feat accomplished by only 16 individuals since the award’s inception in 1980.
Here’s a rundown of this year’s Silver Slugger recipients:
NL Winner: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (third win)
AL Winner: Brent Rooker, Athletics (first win)
Aaron Judge, Yankees (fourth win)
Juan Soto, Yankees (fifth win)
Anthony Santander, Orioles (first win)
Jackson Merrill, Padres (first win)
Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers (third win)
Jurickson Profar, Padres (first win)
AL Winner: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (first win)
NL Winner: Francisco Lindor, Mets (fourth win)
AL Winner: José Ramírez, Guardians (fifth win)
NL Winner: Manny Machado, Padres (second win)
AL Winner: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays (second win)
NL Winner: Bryce Harper, Phillies (fourth win)
AL Winner: Jose Altuve, Astros (seventh win)
NL Winner: Mookie Betts, Dodgers (seventh win)
OFFENSIVE TEAMS OF THE YEAR
# 2024 Silver Slugger Award Winners: Celebrating MLB’s Elite Hitters
The **Silver Slugger Awards**, presented annually by Rawlings Sporting Goods, honor the top hitting performers at each position in both the American League (AL) and National League (NL). These prestigious awards recognize players who demonstrate exceptional offensive prowess throughout the regular season.
## Criteria for Selection
The voting process involves a panel of baseball writers from across the country who cast their ballots based on a range of factors:
* **Batting Average:** A player’s ability to consistently make contact and hit for average is crucial.
* **Runs Batted In (RBIs):** The number of runs driven in by a hitter showcases their power and run-producing capabilities.
* **Home Runs:** A significant display of offensive firepower, home runs contribute significantly to a team’s scoring potential.
* **On-Base Percentage (OBP):** This metric measures a player’s ability to reach base safely through hits, walks, or hit by pitches.
* **Slugging Percentage (SLG):** Calculated as total bases divided by at-bats, slugging percentage reflects a player’s power and ability to drive the ball.
## Predicting the 2024 Silver Slugger Award Winners
While the official voting won’t take place until after the 2024 MLB season concludes, we can analyze current statistics, player trends, and potential breakout stars to make educated predictions about the upcoming award recipients.
Here are some early frontrunners:
### American League
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Catcher | Adley Rutschman | Baltimore Orioles |
| First Base | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Toronto Blue Jays |
| Second Base | Marcus Semien | Texas Rangers |
| Third Base | José Ramírez | Cleveland Guardians |
| Shortstop | Wander Franco | Tampa Bay Rays |
| Left Field | Kyle Tucker | Houston Astros |
| Center Field | Julio Rodríguez | Seattle Mariners |
| Right Field | Aaron Judge | New York Yankees |
| Designated Hitter | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels |
### National League
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Catcher | Will Smith | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| First Base | Freddie Freeman | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Second Base | Luis Arraez | Miami Marlins |
| Third Base | Nolan Arenado | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Shortstop | Francisco Lindor | New York Mets |
| Left Field | Juan Soto | San Diego Padres |
| Center Field | Ronald Acuña Jr. | Atlanta Braves |
| Right Field | Mookie Betts | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Designated Hitter | Paul Goldschmidt | St. Louis Cardinals |
## The Importance of Silver Slugger Awards
These awards represent a significant achievement for MLB hitters, reflecting their dedication to the craft and their ability to consistently perform at an elite level. Winning a Silver Slugger adds another layer of prestige to a player’s career and solidifies their place among the league’s best offensive talents.
Beyond individual accolades, Silver Slugger Awards also contribute to team success. Teams with multiple Silver Slugger winners often boast potent lineups capable of generating runs and driving in victories. Recognizing these exceptional hitters helps celebrate the artistry and strategy behind successful offense in baseball.
