Aaron Judge
Two years after setting an AL record with 62 home runs, Aaron Judge had an even better season this year, despite hitting “only” 58 home runs. With career highs in on-base percentage (.458) and slugging percentage (.701), Judge posted the highest OPS by a qualified AL hitter since Mark McGwire in 1996. This remarkable performance came despite a slow start to the season. If you exclude his first 27 games, Judge’s stats are even more impressive: 54 home runs, 131 RBIs, and a .354/.488/.777 slash line over 131 games.
Juan Soto
If not for Judge, Soto would likely be the front-runner for AL MVP. His first season in New York turned out to be the most productive of his illustrious career. Soto set personal bests for a full season, ranking among the top five in the AL with 128 runs, 41 home runs, and 76 extra-base hits. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Soto joins Mike Trout (2016) as the only two players to win their fifth Silver Slugger before turning 26. This further highlights why Soto is the most coveted free agent this offseason.
OFFENSIVE TEAMS OF THE YEAR
This year marked the second time Silver Slugger Awards were presented to the top offensive team in each league. The Yankees in the American League and the Dodgers in the National League were recognized based on a range of team offensive statistics. Both teams led their leagues in home runs, OPS, wRC+, and several other categories. The Dodgers‘ three Silver Slugger Award winners this season set a new franchise record for the most in a single year.
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