After a season filled with some unforgettable offensive performances, MLB’s top hitters were recognized Thursday night when the Silver Slugger Awards were announced on MLB Network.
The World Series-champion Braves led the way with four winners, tied for the second most by any team in a single season, behind the 1980 Cardinals with five. First-time winners included Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Shohei Ohtani, while Freddie Freeman, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto were among the players who repeated after winning in 2020.
2021 Silver Slugger Award winners:
THIRD BASE
AL winner: Rafael Devers, Red Sox (first win)
NL winner: Austin Riley, Braves (first win)
CATCHER
AL winner: Salvador Perez, Royals (fourth win)
NL winner: Buster Posey, Giants (fifth win)
OUTFIELD
AL winners:
Teoscar Hernández, Blue Jays (second win)
Aaron Judge, Yankees (second win)
Cedric Mullins, Orioles (first win)
NL winners:
Juan Soto, Nationals (second win)
Bryce Harper, Phillies (second win)
Nick Castellanos, Reds (first win)
DESIGNATED HITTER
Shohei Ohtani, Angels (first win)
PITCHER
Max Fried, Braves (first win)
FIRST BASE
AL winner: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays (first win)
NL winner: Freddie Freeman, Braves (third win)
SECOND BASE
AL winner: Marcus Semien, Blue Jays (first win)
NL winner: Ozzie Albies, Braves (second win)
SHORTSTOP
AL winner: Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (fourth win)
NL winner: Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres (second win)
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
