MLB · 1 year ago

National League Silver Slugger Predictions: Our MLB Expert Picks

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Catcher: William Contreras (MIL)
William Contreras has firmly established himself as the top offensive catcher in the National League this year. Among catchers with at least 400 plate appearances, Contreras led the pack in several key categories. He posted an impressive .281 batting average, with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .365 and a slugging percentage (SLG) of .466. These marks were unmatched by his peers. His wRC+ of 131 stands out as the highest among all NL catchers, highlighting his significant contribution to the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup. Contreras also finished tied for second in home runs with 23 and led all NL catchers in RBIs with 92. Given his all-around offensive dominance, it's difficult to imagine anyone challenging him for the Silver Slugger award at the catcher position.
Utility: Mookie Betts (LAD)
Mookie Betts has proven to be the quintessential utility player, excelling at multiple positions and at the plate. In 2024, Betts posted a .863 OPS and a wRC+ of 141 while splitting time between shortstop, second base, and right field. His ability to deliver high-level offensive production, regardless of his defensive position, makes him the perfect candidate for the Utility Silver Slugger. With a strong combination of power, speed, and versatility, Betts is the clear frontrunner to claim this award.

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Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)
Shohei Ohtani’s dominance in 2024 has made the race for the Silver Slugger at DH a one-man contest. Ohtani posted a jaw-dropping 9.1 fWAR, nearly doubling the next-best total. He hit 54 home runs and stole 59 bases, solidifying himself as one of the most unique players in MLB history. Ohtani’s .310 batting average, .390 OBP, and .646 SLG were all elite, while his wRC+ of 181 was unmatched by any other DH in the league. His otherworldly offensive performance makes him the obvious choice for the Silver Slugger award at the designated hitter position.
Outfield: Jurickson Profar (SD)
After being designated for assignment in 2023, Jurickson Profar’s resurgence in 2024 is one of the best stories of the year. Profar posted 4.3 fWAR, ranking second among all NL outfielders. His .380 OBP led all outfielders, and his wRC+ of 139 was also the highest among primary outfielders. He added 24 home runs and 85 RBIs, along with a solid .459 SLG, to round out a remarkable season. Profar’s turnaround has cemented his status as a leading candidate for a Silver Slugger in the outfield.

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Outfield: Teoscar Hernández (LAD)
Teoscar Hernández was a force to be reckoned with at the plate in 2024. His 33 home runs led all NL outfielders, and his 99 RBIs were among the highest totals in the league. Hernández posted a .501 SLG, ranking first among qualified outfielders, and his wRC+ of 134 ranked third. His power and ability to drive in runs make him a standout contender for the Silver Slugger. Additionally, Hernández’s Home Run Derby win in 2024 was a testament to his raw power, further boosting his case for this award.
Outfield: Jackson Merrill (SD)
In his rookie season, Jackson Merrill made an immediate impact, becoming one of the best outfielders in the National League. Merrill led all NL outfielders with 5.3 fWAR and posted a .292 batting average, which ranked first among qualified outfielders. His 24 home runs tied him for third, while his .500 SLG was second only to Teoscar Hernández. Merrill's wRC+ of 130 ranked fourth, making him a top contender for the Silver Slugger. His breakout year should all but guarantee him this prestigious award.

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Shortstop: Francisco Lindor (NYM)
Francisco Lindor’s 2024 season was nothing short of stellar, making him the favorite to take home the Silver Slugger at shortstop. Lindor led all NL shortstops with 7.8 fWAR, while also ranking first in home runs with 33 and runs scored with 107. His .500 SLG was unmatched at the position, and his wRC+ of 138 was second only to Mookie Betts, who played just 65 games at shortstop. Lindor’s ability to combine power, consistency, and run production should easily earn him the Silver Slugger, as no other shortstop came close to matching his overall offensive output.
Third Base: Manny Machado (SDP) vs. Eugenio Suárez (ARI)
The battle for the Silver Slugger at third base could come down to the wire between Manny Machado and Eugenio Suárez. Suárez overcame a slow start to finish the season strong, launching 30 home runs compared to Machado’s 29. However, Machado maintained a slight edge in key stats like wRC+ (122 to Suárez’s 117), batting average (.275 vs. .246), OBP (.325 vs. .316), and SLG (.472 vs. .465). While Suárez led in runs scored (90 to Machado’s 85) and walks (49 to Machado’s 43), Machado’s overall consistency throughout the season could give him a slight advantage. This one remains too close to call and could go either way.

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Second Base: Ketel Marte (ARI)
In a season full of dominant performances, Ketel Marte’s production at second base was unrivaled. Marte’s 6.3 fWAR dwarfed the next closest competitor, Nico Hoerner, who posted 3.9 fWAR. His wRC+ of 151 was significantly higher than any other NL second baseman, with Brendan Donovan a distant second at 115. Marte’s 36 home runs were nearly double that of the second-highest total, held by Nolan Gorman, who hit 19. Additionally, Marte led all second basemen with a .372 OBP and an astounding .560 SLG, making him an obvious choice for the Silver Slugger
First Base: Bryce Harper (PHI)
Despite transitioning to first base in 2024, Bryce Harper continued to be one of the most dangerous hitters in the National League. Harper led all NL first basemen in fWAR with 5.2, far ahead of the second-place finisher, Freddie Freeman, who posted 4.1. Harper’s wRC+ of 145 was the best among NL first basemen, further solidifying his case. He ranked second in home runs at the position, blasting 30, just behind Pete Alonso. Harper’s .373 OBP ranked third, and his .525 SLG was well ahead of Freeman’s .476. Harper's powerful offensive performance and consistency make him the clear frontrunner for the Silver Slugger at first base.
Catcher: William Contreras (MIL)
William Contreras has firmly established himself as the top offensive catcher in the National League this year. Among catchers with at least 400 plate appearances, Contreras led the pack in several key categories. He posted an impressive .281 batting average, with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .365 and a slugging percentage (SLG) of .466. These marks were unmatched by his peers. His wRC+ of 131 stands out as the highest among all NL catchers, highlighting his significant contribution to the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup. Contreras also finished tied for second in home runs with 23 and led all NL catchers in RBIs with 92. Given his all-around offensive dominance, it's difficult to imagine anyone challenging him for the Silver Slugger award at the catcher position.
Utility: Mookie Betts (LAD)
Mookie Betts has proven to be the quintessential utility player, excelling at multiple positions and at the plate. In 2024, Betts posted a .863 OPS and a wRC+ of 141 while splitting time between shortstop, second base, and right field. His ability to deliver high-level offensive production, regardless of his defensive position, makes him the perfect candidate for the Utility Silver Slugger. With a strong combination of power, speed, and versatility, Betts is the clear frontrunner to claim this award.

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National League Silver Slugger Predictions: Our MLB Expert Picks

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