Ohtani Shohei’s 54 Homers and Judge’s Record-Breaking Slugging Shine in 2024 MLB Silver Slugger Awards

Two baseball stars who have made monumental contributions to MLB history, Ohtani Shohei of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, both received the prestigious Silver Slugger Awards, presented to the best hitters in each league by position. Ohtani made a historic 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases this season, while Judge excelled as the American League home run champion, earning them both significant recognition.

On Wednesday, MLB announced the 2024 Louisville Silver Slugger Award winners, naming Ohtani as the National League (NL) recipient in the designated hitter category. Ohtani played 159 games this season, recording a .310 batting average (2nd place), 54 home runs (1st), 130 RBIs (1st), and 59 stolen bases (2nd). He also led in on-base percentage (.390) and slugging percentage (.646), dominating both areas.

Despite being limited to hitting duties this year due to elbow surgery, Ohtani continued to make history. This marks his third Silver Slugger award since joining MLB, and he’s in contention for an unprecedented third unanimous MVP award.

Judge also won the Silver Slugger in the American League (AL) outfielder category, marking the fourth time in his career. This season, Judge ranked 3rd in AL batting average (.322), 1st in home runs (58), 1st in RBIs (144), 1st in on-base percentage (.458), and 1st in slugging percentage (.701), making him a strong candidate for the AL MVP award.

The Silver Slugger, established in 1980, is voted on by MLB managers and coaches. They consider various offensive metrics and overall value to determine the best hitters in the game.

Among this year’s winners, José Altuve of the Houston Astros was selected as the AL second baseman, and Juan Soto won in the AL outfielder category. Altuve earned his seventh career Silver Slugger, while Soto marked his fifth. The Offensive Team of the Year awards went to Ohtani’s Dodgers and Judge’s Yankees.

2024 MLB Louisville Silver Slugger Winners

National League (NL): Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies, 1B), Ketel Marte (Arizona Diamondbacks, 2B), Manny Machado (San Diego Padres, 3B), Francisco Lindor (New York Mets, SS), Jackson Merrill, Jurickson Profar (both San Diego Padres, OF), Teoscar Hernandez (Dodgers, OF), William Contreras (Milwaukee Brewers, C), Ohtani Shohei (Designated Hitter), Mookie Betts (Dodgers, Utility Player)

American League (AL): Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays, 1B), José Altuve (2B), José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians, 3B), Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals, SS), Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Anthony Santander (Baltimore Orioles, OF), Salvador Pérez (Kansas City Royals, C), Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics, Designated Hitter), Josh Smith (Texas Rangers, Utility Player)