The Silver Slugger Award, established in 1980, holds an impressive position in Major League Baseball. It commends the outstanding offensive prowess of players across each position in the American League and National League. Determined by evaluations from coaches and managers throughout the season, ten Silver Slugger Awards are presented annually.
It encompasses various positions such as catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop. Additionally, three exceptional outfielders are acknowledged independent of their specific outfield positions. Thus, a noteworthy fact is that three left fielders have potentially clinched this distinction within a single year. In addition to the position players, one award is given to the designated hitter in the American League. This player takes on the role of batting in place of the pitcher. Another accolade goes to a utility player, capable of performing multiple fielding positions. The Silver Slugger Award acknowledges offensive skills and contributions to team success.
List of Silver Slugger Awards in Each Conference by Year
Every year, coaches, and managers from both the American League and the National League come together to present the Silver Slugger Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes the players who have showcased exceptional offensive skills in each position.
American League Silver Slugger Award Winners:
Year | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | OF | OF | C | DH | UT |
2023 | Yandy Díaz | Marcus Semien | Rafael Devers | Corey Seager | Luis Robert Jr. | Julio Rodríguez | Kyle Tucker | Adley Rutschman | Shohei Ohtani | Gunnar Henderson |
2022 | Nathaniel Lowe | José Altuve | José Ramírez | Xander Bogaerts | Aaron Judge | Julio Rodríguez | Mike Trout | Alejandro Kirk | Yordan Alvarez | Luis Arráez |
2021 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Marcus Semien | Rafael Devers | Xander Bogaerts | Teoscar Hernández | Cedric Mullins | Aaron Judge | Salvador Pérez | Shohei Ohtani | N/A |
2020 | José Abreu | DJ LeMahieu | José Ramírez | Tim Anderson | Eloy Jiménez | Mike Trout | Teoscar Hernández | Salvador Pérez | Nelson Cruz | N/A |
2019 | Carlos Santana | DJ LeMahieu | Alex Bregman | Xander Bogaerts | Mookie Betts | Mike Trout | George Springer | Mitch Garver | Nelson Cruz | N/A |
2018 | José Abreu | José Altuve | José Ramírez | Francisco Lindor | Mookie Betts | Mike Trout | J. D. Martinez | Salvador Pérez | J. D. Martinez | N/A |
2017 | Eric Hosmer | José Altuve | José Ramírez | Francisco Lindor | Aaron Judge | Justin Upton | George Springer | Gary Sánchez | Nelson Cruz | N/A |
2016 | Miguel Cabrera | José Altuve | Josh Donaldson | Xander Bogaerts | Mookie Betts | Mike Trout | Mark Trumbo | Salvador Pérez | David Ortiz | N/A |
2015 | Miguel Cabrera | José Altuve | Josh Donaldson | Xander Bogaerts | Nelson Cruz | Mike Trout | J. D. Martinez | Brian McCann | Kendrys Morales | N/A |
2014 | José Abreu | José Altuve | Adrián Beltré | Alexei Ramírez | José Bautista | Mike Trout | Michael Brantley | Yan Gomes | Víctor Martínez | N/A |
2013 | Chris Davis | Robinson Canó | Miguel Cabrera | J. J. Hardy | Torii Hunter | Mike Trout | Adam Jones | Joe Mauer | David Ortiz | N/A |
2012 | Prince Fielder | Robinson Canó | Miguel Cabrera | Derek Jeter | Josh Hamilton | Mike Trout | Josh Willingham | A. J. Pierzynski | Billy Butler | N/A |
2011 | Adrián González | Robinson Canó | Adrián Beltré | Asdrúbal Cabrera | Jacoby Ellsbury | Curtis Granderson | José Bautista | Alex Avila | David Ortiz | N/A |
2010 | Miguel Cabrera | Robinson Canó | Adrián Beltré | Alexei Ramírez | Josh Hamilton | Carl Crawford | José Bautista | Joe Mauer | Vladimir Guerrero | N/A |
2009 | Mark Teixeira | Aaron Hill | Evan Longoria | Derek Jeter | Jason Bay | Torii Hunter | Ichiro Suzuki | Joe Mauer | Adam Lind | N/A |
2008 | Justin Morneau | Dustin Pedroia | Alex Rodriguez | Derek Jeter | Josh Hamilton | Carlos Quentin | Grady Sizemore | Joe Mauer | Aubrey Huff | N/A |
2007 | Carlos Peña | Plácido Polanco | Alex Rodriguez | Derek Jeter | Magglio Ordóñez | Vladimir Guerrero | Ichiro Suzuki | Jorge Posada | David Ortiz | N/A |
2006 | Justin Morneau | Robinson Canó | Joe Crede | Derek Jeter | Jermaine Dye | Vladimir Guerrero | Manny Ramirez | Joe Mauer | David Ortiz | N/A |
2005 | Mark Teixeira | Alfonso Soriano | Alex Rodriguez | Miguel Tejada | Gary Sheffield | Vladimir Guerrero | Manny Ramirez | Jason Varitek | David Ortiz | N/A |
2004 | Mark Teixeira | Alfonso Soriano | Melvin Mora | Miguel Tejada | Gary Sheffield | Vladimir Guerrero | Manny Ramirez | Víctor Martínez & Iván Rodríguez | David Ortiz | N/A |
2003 | Carlos Delgado | Bret Boone | Bill Mueller | Alex Rodriguez | Garret Anderson | Vernon Wells | Manny Ramirez | Jorge Posada | Edgar Martínez | N/A |
2002 | Jason Giambi | Alfonso Soriano | Eric Chavez | Alex Rodriguez | Garret Anderson | Magglio Ordóñez | Bernie Williams | Jorge Posada | Manny Ramirez | N/A |
2001 | Jason Giambi | Bret Boone | Troy Glaus | Alex Rodriguez | Ichiro Suzuki | Juan González | Manny Ramirez | Jorge Posada | Edgar Martínez | N/A |
2000 | Carlos Delgado | Roberto Alomar | Troy Glaus | Alex Rodriguez | Darin Erstad | Magglio Ordóñez | Manny Ramirez | Jorge Posada | Frank Thomas | N/A |
1999 | Carlos Delgado | Roberto Alomar | Dean Palmer | Alex Rodriguez | Shawn Green | Ken Griffey Jr. | Manny Ramirez | Iván Rodríguez | Rafael Palmeiro | N/A |
1998 | Rafael Palmeiro | Damion Easley | Dean Palmer | Alex Rodriguez | Albert Belle | Ken Griffey Jr. | Juan González | Iván Rodríguez | Jose Canseco | N/A |
1997 | Tino Martinez | Chuck Knoblauch | Matt Williams | Nomar Garciaparra | David Justice | Ken Griffey Jr. | Juan González | Iván Rodríguez | Edgar Martínez | N/A |
1996 | Mark McGwire | Roberto Alomar | Jim Thome | Alex Rodriguez | Albert Belle | Ken Griffey Jr. | Juan González | Iván Rodríguez | Paul Molitor | N/A |
1995 | Mo Vaughn | Chuck Knoblauch | Gary Gaetti | John Valentin | Albert Belle | Tim Salmon | Manny Ramirez | Iván Rodríguez | Edgar Martínez | N/A |
1994 | Frank Thomas | Carlos Baerga | Wade Boggs | Cal Ripken Jr. | Albert Belle | Ken Griffey Jr. | Kirby Puckett | Iván Rodríguez | Julio Franco | N/A |
1993 | Frank Thomas | Carlos Baerga | Wade Boggs | Cal Ripken Jr. | Albert Belle | Ken Griffey Jr. | Juan González | Mike Stanley | Paul Molitor | N/A |
1992 | Mark McGwire | Roberto Alomar | Edgar Martínez | Travis Fryman | Joe Carter | Kirby Puckett | Juan González | Mickey Tettleton | Dave Winfield | N/A |
1991 | Cecil Fielder | Julio Franco | Wade Boggs | Cal Ripken Jr. | Joe Carter | Ken Griffey Jr. | Jose Canseco | Mickey Tettleton | Frank Thomas | N/A |
1990 | Cecil Fielder | Julio Franco | Kelly Gruber | Alan Trammell | Rickey Henderson | Ellis Burks | Jose Canseco | Lance Parrish | Dave Parker | N/A |
1989 | Fred McGriff | Julio Franco | Wade Boggs | Cal Ripken Jr. | Rubén Sierra | Kirby Puckett | Robin Yount | Mickey Tettleton | Harold Baines | N/A |
1988 | George Brett | Julio Franco | Wade Boggs | Alan Trammell | Mike Greenwell | Kirby Puckett | Jose Canseco | Carlton Fisk | Paul Molitor | N/A |
1987 | Don Mattingly | Lou Whitaker | Wade Boggs | Alan Trammell | Dwight Evans | Kirby Puckett | George Bell | Matt Nokes | Paul Molitor | N/A |
1986 | Don Mattingly | Frank White | Wade Boggs | Cal Ripken Jr. | Jesse Barfield | Kirby Puckett | George Bell | Lance Parrish | Don Baylor | N/A |
1985 | Don Mattingly | Lou Whitaker | George Brett | Cal Ripken Jr. | Rickey Henderson | Dave Winfield | George Bell | Carlton Fisk | Don Baylor | N/A |
1984 | Eddie Murray | Lou Whitaker | Buddy Bell | Cal Ripken Jr. | Jim Rice | Dave Winfield | Tony Armas | Lance Parrish | Andre Thornton | N/A |
1983 | Eddie Murray | Lou Whitaker | Wade Boggs | Cal Ripken Jr. | Jim Rice | Dave Winfield | Lloyd Moseby | Lance Parrish | Don Baylor | N/A |
1982 | Cecil Cooper | Dámaso García | Doug DeCinces | Robin Yount | Reggie Jackson | Dave Winfield | Willie Wilson | Lance Parrish | Hal McRae | N/A |
1981 | Cecil Cooper | Bobby Grich | Carney Lansford | Rick Burleson | Rickey Henderson | Dave Winfield | Dwight Evans | Carlton Fisk | Al Oliver | N/A |
1980 | Cecil Cooper | Willie Randolph | George Brett | Robin Yount | Ben Oglivie | Al Oliver | Willie Wilson | Lance Parrish | Reggie Jackson | N/A |
Also Read: List of Gold Glove Award Winners in Each Conference Year By Year
National League Silver Slugger Award Winners:
Year | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | OF | OF | C | P | DH | UT |
2023 | Matt Olson | Luis Arráez | Austin Riley | Francisco Lindor | Ronald Acuña Jr. | Mookie Betts | Juan Soto | William Contreras | N/A | Bryce Harper | Cody Bellinger |
2022 | Paul Goldschmidt | Jeff McNeil | Nolan Arenado | Trea Turner | Kyle Schwarber | Mookie Betts | Juan Soto | J.T. Realmuto | N/A | Josh Bell | Brandon Drury |
2021 | Freddie Freeman | Ozzie Albies | Austin Riley | Fernando Tatís Jr. | Juan Soto | Bryce Harper | Nick Castellanos | Buster Posey | Max Fried | N/A | N/A |
2020 | Freddie Freeman | Donovan Solano | Manny Machado | Fernando Tatís Jr. | Juan Soto | Ronald Acuña Jr. | Mookie Betts | Travis d'Arnaud | N/A | Marcell Ozuna | N/A |
2019 | Freddie Freeman | Ozzie Albies | Anthony Rendon | Trevor Story | Ronald Acuña Jr. | Cody Bellinger | Christian Yelich | J. T. Realmuto | Zack Greinke | N/A | N/A |
2018 | Paul Goldschmidt | Javier Báez | Nolan Arenado | Trevor Story | Nick Markakis | David Peralta | Christian Yelich | J. T. Realmuto | Germán Márquez | N/A | N/A |
2017 | Paul Goldschmidt | Daniel Murphy | Nolan Arenado | Corey Seager | Charlie Blackmon | Giancarlo Stanton | Marcell Ozuna | Buster Posey | Adam Wainwright | N/A | N/A |
2016 | Anthony Rizzo | Daniel Murphy | Nolan Arenado | Corey Seager | Charlie Blackmon | Yoenis Céspedes | Christian Yelich | Wilson Ramos | Jake Arrieta | N/A | N/A |
2015 | Paul Goldschmidt | Dee Gordon | Nolan Arenado | Brandon Crawford | Andrew McCutchen | Bryce Harper | Carlos González | Buster Posey | Madison Bumgarner | N/A | N/A |
2014 | Adrián González | Neil Walker | Anthony Rendon | Ian Desmond | Andrew McCutchen | Giancarlo Stanton | Justin Upton | Buster Posey | Madison Bumgarner | N/A | N/A |
2013 | Paul Goldschmidt | Matt Carpenter | Pedro Álvarez | Ian Desmond | Andrew McCutchen | Jay Bruce | Michael Cuddyer | Yadier Molina | Zack Greinke | N/A | N/A |
2012 | Adam LaRoche | Aaron Hill | Chase Headley | Ian Desmond | Andrew McCutchen | Jay Bruce | Ryan Braun | Buster Posey | Stephen Strasburg | N/A | N/A |
2011 | Prince Fielder | Brandon Phillips | Aramis Ramírez | Troy Tulowitzki | Matt Kemp | Justin Upton | Ryan Braun | Brian McCann | Daniel Hudson | N/A | N/A |
2010 | Albert Pujols | Dan Uggla | Ryan Zimmerman | Troy Tulowitzki | Carlos González | Matt Holliday | Ryan Braun | Brian McCann | Yovani Gallardo | N/A | N/A |
2009 | Albert Pujols | Chase Utley | Ryan Zimmerman | Hanley Ramírez | Matt Kemp | Andre Ethier | Ryan Braun | Brian McCann | Carlos Zambrano | N/A | N/A |
2008 | Albert Pujols | Chase Utley | David Wright | Hanley Ramírez | Ryan Ludwick | Matt Holliday | Ryan Braun | Brian McCann | Carlos Zambrano | N/A | N/A |
2007 | Prince Fielder | Chase Utley | David Wright | Jimmy Rollins | Carlos Beltrán | Matt Holliday | Carlos Lee | Russell Martin | Micah Owings | N/A | N/A |
2006 | Ryan Howard | Chase Utley | Miguel Cabrera | José Reyes | Carlos Beltrán | Matt Holliday | Alfonso Soriano | Brian McCann | Carlos Zambrano | N/A | N/A |
2005 | Derrek Lee | Jeff Kent | Morgan Ensberg | Felipe López | Andruw Jones | Miguel Cabrera | Carlos Lee | Michael Barrett | Jason Marquis | N/A | N/A |
2004 | Albert Pujols | Mark Loretta | Adrián Beltré | Jack Wilson | Barry Bonds | Jim Edmonds | Bobby Abreu | Johnny Estrada | Liván Hernández | N/A | N/A |
2003 | Todd Helton | José Vidro | Mike Lowell | Édgar Rentería | Barry Bonds | Gary Sheffield | Albert Pujols | Javy López | Mike Hampton | N/A | N/A |
2002 | Todd Helton | Jeff Kent | Scott Rolen | Édgar Rentería | Barry Bonds | Vladimir Guerrero | Sammy Sosa | Mike Piazza | Mike Hampton | N/A | N/A |
2001 | Todd Helton | Jeff Kent | Albert Pujols | Rich Aurilia | Barry Bonds | Luis Gonzalez | Sammy Sosa | Mike Piazza | Mike Hampton | N/A | N/A |
2000 | Todd Helton | Jeff Kent | Chipper Jones | Édgar Rentería | Barry Bonds | Vladimir Guerrero | Sammy Sosa | Mike Piazza | Mike Hampton | N/A | N/A |
1999 | Jeff Bagwell | Edgardo Alfonzo | Chipper Jones | Barry Larkin | Sammy Sosa | Vladimir Guerrero | Larry Walker | Mike Piazza | Mike Hampton | N/A | N/A |
1998 | Mark McGwire | Craig Biggio | Vinny Castilla | Barry Larkin | Sammy Sosa | Greg Vaughn | Moisés Alou | Mike Piazza | Tom Glavine | N/A | N/A |
1997 | Jeff Bagwell | Craig Biggio | Vinny Castilla | Jeff Blauser | Barry Bonds | Tony Gwynn | Larry Walker | Mike Piazza | John Smoltz | N/A | N/A |
1996 | Andrés Galarraga | Eric Young | Ken Caminiti | Barry Larkin | Barry Bonds | Gary Sheffield | Ellis Burks | Mike Piazza | Tom Glavine | N/A | N/A |
1995 | Eric Karros | Craig Biggio | Vinny Castilla | Barry Larkin | Sammy Sosa | Tony Gwynn | Dante Bichette | Mike Piazza | Tom Glavine | N/A | N/A |
1994 | Jeff Bagwell | Craig Biggio | Matt Williams | Wil Cordero | Barry Bonds | Tony Gwynn | Moisés Alou | Mike Piazza | Mark Portugal | N/A | N/A |
1993 | Fred McGriff | Robby Thompson | Matt Williams | Jay Bell | Barry Bonds | Lenny Dykstra | David Justice | Mike Piazza | Orel Hershiser | N/A | N/A |
1992 | Fred McGriff | Ryne Sandberg | Gary Sheffield | Barry Larkin | Barry Bonds | Larry Walker | Andy Van Slyke | Darren Daulton | Dwight Gooden | N/A | N/A |
1991 | Will Clark | Ryne Sandberg | Howard Johnson | Barry Larkin | Barry Bonds | Bobby Bonilla | Ron Gant | Benito Santiago | Tom Glavine | N/A | N/A |
1990 | Eddie Murray | Ryne Sandberg | Matt Williams | Barry Larkin | Barry Bonds | Bobby Bonilla | Darryl Strawberry | Benito Santiago | Don Robinson | N/A | N/A |
1989 | Will Clark | Ryne Sandberg | Howard Johnson | Barry Larkin | Kevin Mitchell | Tony Gwynn | Eric Davis | Craig Biggio | Don Robinson | N/A | N/A |
1988 | Andrés Galarraga | Ryne Sandberg | Bobby Bonilla | Barry Larkin | Darryl Strawberry | Kirk Gibson | Andy Van Slyke | Benito Santiago | Tim Leary | N/A | N/A |
1987 | Jack Clark | Juan Samuel | Tim Wallach | Ozzie Smith | Andre Dawson | Tony Gwynn | Eric Davis | Benito Santiago | Bob Forsch | N/A | N/A |
1986 | Glenn Davis | Steve Sax | Mike Schmidt | Hubie Brooks | Tim Raines | Tony Gwynn | Dave Parker | Gary Carter | Rick Rhoden | N/A | N/A |
1985 | Jack Clark | Ryne Sandberg | Tim Wallach | Hubie Brooks | Dale Murphy | Willie McGee | Dave Parker | Gary Carter | Rick Rhoden | N/A | N/A |
1984 | Keith Hernandez | Ryne Sandberg | Mike Schmidt | Garry Templeton | Dale Murphy | Tony Gwynn | José Cruz | Gary Carter | Rick Rhoden | N/A | N/A |
1983 | George Hendrick | Johnny Ray | Mike Schmidt | Dickie Thon | Dale Murphy | Andre Dawson | José Cruz | Terry Kennedy | Fernando Valenzuela | N/A | N/A |
1982 | Al Oliver | Joe Morgan | Mike Schmidt | Dave Concepción | Dale Murphy | Pedro Guerrero | Leon Durham | Gary Carter | Don Robinson | N/A | N/A |
1981 | Pete Rose | Manny Trillo | Mike Schmidt | Dave Concepción | Dusty Baker | Andre Dawson | George Foster | Gary Carter | Fernando Valenzuela | N/A | N/A |
1980 | Keith Hernandez | Manny Trillo | Mike Schmidt | Garry Templeton | Dusty Baker | Andre Dawson | George Hendrick | Ted Simmons | Bob Forsch | N/A | N/A |
Also Read: List of Cy Young Awards in Each Conference Year By Year
Players With the Most Silver Slugger Awards
While many players have been honored with the Silver Slugger Award, some exceptional individuals have garnered multiple wins and left an indelible mark on the game.
Among these standouts is Barry Bonds, renowned as the all-time home run record-holder and a recipient of 12 Silver Slugger Awards. This achievement places Bonds at the history's Silver Slugger winners. What further amplifies his legacy is that he claimed this esteemed honor in consecutive seasons on two separate occasions: from 1990 to 1994, and again from 2000 to 2004.
Tied closely behind Bonds for second place in Silver Slugger Awards are two players: Mike Piazza, a legendary catcher, and Alex Rodriguez, a versatile player who excelled as both a shortstop and third baseman. They have each achieved ten Silver Slugger Awards.
Mike Trout, an influential figure in the realm of baseball, has left a significant impact. Known for his exceptional all-around skills, Trout has garnered the esteemed Silver Slugger Award nine times. Among other notable players, Wade Boggs, an acclaimed third baseman, holds the leading position with eight awards. Similarly, Barry Larkin, a standout shortstop in his own right, secures the record for the most Silver Slugger Awards at his respected position with a remarkable tally of nine.
In specific positions, notable leaders include Ryne Sandberg. He won the award seven times as a second baseman. Mike Hampton, on the other hand, secured the award five times as a pitcher. Additionally, Paul Goldschmidt achieved the distinction five times as a first baseman.
Moreover, David Ortiz holds the record for winning the most Silver Slugger Awards as a designated hitter. Honored with this accolade seven times, he solidifies his status among the best designated hitters of all time.
FAQs on Silver Slugger Award
A. The Silver Slugger Award was introduced in 1980, given by Hillerich & Bradsby, the manufacturer of Louisville Slugger bats. Its purpose is to acknowledge the outstanding offensive players in the game, and it has been awarded annually since its inception.
A. The Silver Slugger Award specifically highlights offensive performance, while awards like the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award take into account a player's overall contribution to their team.
A. A player has the opportunity to win the Silver Slugger Award multiple times over their career. J. D. Martinez collected two Silver Slugger Awards in one year, one as a designated hitter and the other as an outfielder. However, Barry Bonds holds the most Silver Slugger Awards with 12 times winning.
A. Winners are typically announced in early November, following the conclusion of the MLB season and postseason.
A. No, Silver Slugger Awards are based only on regular-season performance.