Historic Braves offense earns top MLB accolade
Following the 2023 season, MLB presented teams from the American and National League with Silver Slugger Awards for the first time. To the surprise of no one, the Atlanta Braves were the inaugural winner after a historic offensive season.
The Braves led the NL in runs (947), hits (1,543), RBI (916), batting average (.276), on-base percentage (.344) and OPS (.845). Furthermore, the Braves tied a MLB record by hitting 307 home runs and were the first team in NL/AL history to finish with a single-season slugging percentage over .500 (.501), per MLB Stats.
As for the individual Silver Slugger Awards, three Braves received the honor, including right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (third time), third baseman Austin Riley (second) and first baseman Matt Olson (first).
Acuna led MLB in hits (217), OBP (.416), OPS (1.012) and OPS+ (168), making him a candidate for NL MVP. Meanwhile, Riley was the leader among NL third basemen in hits (179) and home runs (37). Likewise, Olson had a career year at the plate, leading the MLB in home runs (54), RBI (139) and slugging percentage (.604).
Atlanta had six finalists, including Acuna, Riley, Olson, second baseman Ozzie Albies, catcher Sean Murphy and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
Unlike the AL field, featuring five first-timers, the star-studded NL list is full of multi-time winners.
Los Angeles Dodgers centerfielder Mookie Betts won his sixth Silver Slugger Award. San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto equaled Los Angeles Angels centerfielder Mike Trout for the most Silver Slugger Awards before turning 25 (4).
Third-time winners include Acuna, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter/first baseman Bryce Harper. Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger and Miami Marlins 2B Luis Arraez won for the second time.
Finally, former Brave William Contreras took home his first Silver Slugger Award and also became the first Milwaukee Brewers catcher to receive the honor.
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