Francisco Lindor Wins Silver Slugger Award
Francisco Lindor has won the National League Silver Slugger Award at shortstop.
Lindor, who was snubbed from a fifth All-Star appearance, managed to turn his 2023 season around in dramatic fashion. After a slow start, New York’s franchise player had an incredible 2023 season, becoming the fourth Met in team history to hit 30 home runs, steal 30 bases, and hit 30 doubles in a single season.
He also led all National League shortstops in home runs (31), RBIs (98), and on-base plus slugging percentage (.806), while ranking third in stolen bases (31). Lindor finished his age 29 season with a .254/.336/.470 slash line, in addition to a 120 OPS+.
The other candidates nominated for the award were Xander Bogaerts, Dansby Swanson, and Trea Turner. Lindor was also fantastic defensively and was a nominee for the NL Gold Glove, but was beaten out by Swanson, who had a superior season in the field.
In addition to Lindor, Pete Alonso was also nominated for a Silver Slugger, but unlike Lindor, he did not take home the award. This is Lindor’s third Silver Slugger Award and his first with the Mets. He won it in the American League in back-to-back seasons (2017, ‘18) with the Cleveland Guardians.
Lindor joined José Reyes as the only other Met to win a Silver Slugger at shortstop when Reyes won his award in 2006. That year, Reyes had a breakout season en route to being named a first-time All-Star and finishing seventh in NL MVP award voting. In 153 games, he hit .300 with 19 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 122 runs scored. He also stole 64 bases, which led the NL.
In addition to Lindor, Pete Alonso was also nominated for a Silver Slugger, but unlike Lindor, he did not take home the award. Lindor, Alonso, and Kodai Senga have been nominated for the All-MLB team that will be announced on Dec. 16.
The Mets’ most recent Silver Slugger winners were Jeff McNeil in 2022 and Yoenis Céspedes in 2016.
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