[OmahaBaseball]

American League’s Best Bats Shine in 2024 Silver Slugger Awards

The American League’s most dangerous hitters were honored today as the 2024 Silver Slugger Awards were announced, celebrating the top offensive performer at each position. From record-setting power to all-around excellence, this year’s winners powered lineups across the league and defined the season with thunderous swings and timely production.

Behind the plate, Yainer Díaz of the Houston Astros earned the Silver Slugger after smashing 23 home runs while posting a .467 slugging percentage over 475 at-bats to contribute to his team's offense from a traditionally defense-first position. At first base, Eloy Jiménez of the Chicago White Sox delivered a resurgent power campaign, driving in 105 runs and launching 33 home runs to finish with a .497 slugging percentage. Baltimore rookie Jackson Holliday claimed the award for second base after finishing with a .281 batting average and a strong .363 on-base percentage, while adding 18 stolen bases and posting a 118 wRC+. The hot corner belonged to Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox, who blasted 36 home runs, drove in 111, and finished with a .541 slugging percentage. At shortstop, Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles delivered one of the most electric seasons in recent memory, as he .302 with 38 home runs and an eye-popping 36 stolen bases, scoring 116 runs and compiling a 9.1 WAR in a true MVP-caliber performance.

In left field, Daulton Varsho of the Toronto Blue Jays earned Silver Slugger honors by blending speed and power with 28 home runs, 43 stolen bases, and 109 runs scored. Center field was claimed by Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners who smashed the ball to the tune of a .282 average with 28 home runs, 39 stolen bases, and driving in 106 runs. On the right side, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees reminded the baseball world of his unparalleled power. Judge crushed 50 home runs, scored 120 runs, and drove in another 120, pairing patience with brute force for a .570 slugging percentage. At designated hitter, Yordan Álvarez of the Houston Astros captured Silver Slugger honors after a dominant offensive season. Álvarez belted 51 home runs, drove in 137 runs, and posted a .596 slugging percentage, standing as one of the most feared hitters in the sport.

Together, the 2024 American League Silver Slugger winners represent the pinnacle of offensive excellence; players who didn’t just fill box scores, but reshaped games with every trip to the plate.