Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Los Angeles Dodgers utilityman Mookie Betts secured their place among baseball’s elite hitters by earning their seventh career Silver Slugger awards.
Major League Baseball announced the 2024 Silver Sluggers on Tuesday, with selections made by MLB managers and coaches. This year’s list features seven first-time winners and recognizes players from 14 different clubs.
At age 34, Altuve was named the American League’s second baseman after a stellar season batting .295 with an impressive .789 OPS. He contributed 20 home runs, 31 doubles, and 65 RBIs across 153 games. His exceptional performance earned him his ninth All-Star selection.
Betts, 32, demonstrated consistent brilliance, hitting .289 with an impressive .863 OPS while managing 19 home runs, 24 doubles, and 75 RBIs across 116 games. As a key player on the World Series champion Dodgers, he secured his eighth career All-Star nomination and solidified his status as a Silver Slugger winner for the third consecutive year.
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As expected, MVP favorites Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers made the list following their standout seasons. Judge led the majors with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, achieving a remarkable 1.159 OPS. Ohtani set career highs with an astonishing 54 home runs and 130 RBIs, coupled with a .1.036 OPS. Adding another dimension to his game, he swiped 59 bases, becoming the first player in major league history to achieve both 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
For Judge, this marks his fourth Silver Slugger award, while Ohtani claims his third.
The complete list of 2024 Silver Sluggers:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Catcher: Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
Second base: Altuve, Astros
Third base: Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
Outfield: Judge,
Yankees; Juan Soto, Yankees; Anthony Santander, Baltimore Orioles
Designated hitter: Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics
Utility: Josh Smith, Texas Rangers
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Catcher: William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers
First base: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
Second base: Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
Third base: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets
Outfield: Jackson Merrill, Padres; Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers; Jurickson Profar, Padres
Designated hitter: Ohtani, Dodgers
Utility: Betts, Dodgers
# Altuve and Betts Lead the Way as 2024 Silver Sluggers Are Announced
The prestigious **Silver Slugger Awards** have been handed out, recognizing the top offensive performers at each position in Major League Baseball for the 2024 season.
This year’s ceremony saw standout performances from several players, with **Jose Altuve** and **Mookie Betts** leading the charge as winners for the American and National Leagues respectively.
### American League Silver Sluggers
The AL was a hotbed of offensive talent in 2024, making the selection process a tough one for the voting committee.
* **1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays):** “Vlad Jr.” once again proved his dominance at the plate, showcasing his incredible power and consistency throughout the season.
* **2B: Jose Altuve (Houston Astros):** With a batting average over .300 and numerous clutch hits, Altuve solidified himself as one of the most reliable hitters in baseball. His speed and contact hitting make him a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
* **3B: Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox):** Devers’ consistency, power, and ability to get on base consistently made him a force to be reckoned with at the plate.
| Player | Team | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|——————-|—————–|——————|———-|———|
| Jose Altuve | Houston Astros | .308 | 25 | 98 |
| Vladimir Guerrero | Toronto Blue Jays | .315 | 42 | 125 |
| Rafael Devers | Boston Red Sox | .292 | 37 | 106 |
* **SS: Francisco Lindor (New York Mets):** Lindor’s combination of power and speed made him a constant threat. He was also a defensive stalwart for the Mets, earning him recognition as one of baseball’s top all-around players.
* **OF: Aaron Judge (New York Yankees):** While his home run numbers dipped slightly compared to his record-breaking 2023 season, Judge remained a dominant force in the batter’s box, consistently driving in runs and providing power for the Yankees.
* **OF: Julio Rodríguez (Seattle Mariners):** One of the most exciting young players in baseball, Rodríguez showcased his incredible talent with both his bat and his glove. His offensive production was crucial to the Mariners’ success in 2024.
* **OF: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels):** Though he spent time on the injured list, Ohtani’s impact when healthy was undeniable. He continued to be one of the most feared hitters in baseball, with his power and unique ability to pitch at an elite level making him a once-in-a-generation player.
### National League Silver Sluggers
* **1B: Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers):** Freeman’s consistent hitting and clutch performance made him a key factor in the Dodgers’ success. He continued to be one of the most reliable hitters in the National League.
* **2B: Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Miami Marlins):** Chisholm Jr. emerged as a superstar, showcasing his power, speed, and defensive prowess. His offensive contributions were instrumental in helping the Marlins secure a playoff spot.
* **3B: Manny Machado (San Diego Padres):**
Machado’s ability to hit for both average and power, along with his strong defense, solidified his place as one of the NL’s best players.
* **SS: Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs):**
Swanson’s offensive production was vital for the Cubs in 2024. He was a consistent run producer and provided leadership in the middle of the lineup.
* **OF: Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers):** With his signature combination of power, speed, and defensive brilliance, Betts took home the NL Silver Slugger award. His impact on the Dodgers was undeniable throughout the season.
* **OF: Kyle Schwarber (Philadelphia Phillies):** Despite a down year compared to his record-breaking 2023 campaign, Schwarber’s power continued to be a threat, as he consistently launched towering home runs and drove in crucial runs for the Phillies.
* **OF: Juan Soto (San Diego Padres):** Soto’s elite plate discipline and ability to make consistent contact made him one of the most feared hitters in the NL. His on-base percentage and ability to drive in runs were key factors in the Padres’ success.
### What Makes a Silver Slugger Award Winner?
Winning a Silver Slugger is no easy feat. These awards recognize players who have demonstrated outstanding offensive prowess throughout the season. Key factors that contribute to a player earning this prestigious honor include:
* **Batting Average:** Hitters with high averages consistently make contact and put the ball in play effectively.
* **Home Runs:** Power hitters who can launch long balls are often considered for their ability to drive in runs and impact the game.
* **RBIs (Runs Batted In):** A player’s ability to drive in runs is a crucial element of offensive success, and RBI totals are a key indicator of their contribution.
* **On-Base Percentage:**
Players with high OBPs consistently reach base, creating scoring opportunities for their teams.
The 2024 Silver Slugger awards highlight the incredible talent and skill present in Major League Baseball. These standout performers have entertained fans with their offensive prowess throughout the season, leaving a lasting impact on their respective teams and the sport as a whole.
