Silver Slugger Award 2022: Who will be named the Best Offensive Player at each position?

In 1980, the MLB introduced an award that celebrated the best offensive player at each position, the Silver Slugger Award. For decades, the most coveted award a player could win aside from the MVP was the Gold Glove Award. However, players who are gifted on the offensive side of the game are now able to earn recognition.

While he was dominant all over the field, legendary superstar Barry Bonds is the current all-time record holder after winning 12 career Silver Slugger Awards. The only other player to win double-digit awards at their position was Mike Piazza, who won 10 as a catcher.

"Home run! Mike Piazza!" In the first major sporting event in New York after 9/11, Mike Piazza gave New Yorkers something to cheer about" - ESPN

Here is a look at the nominees who were deemed to be the best hitters in their positions in 2022. While there are some familiar faces, there are also some new ones looking to secure their first Silver Slugger Award.

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The complete list of Silver Slugger Award finalists at each position

The award is divided into both the American League and National League, with at least four players selected as finalists for their positional award.

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American League Silver Slugger Finalists

First Base

1. Jose Abreu (CWS)
2. Anthony Rizzo (NYY)
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)
4. Nathaniel Lowe (TEX)

Second Base

1. Jose Altuve (HOU)
2. Marcus Semien (TEX)
3. Andres Gimenez (CLE)
4. DJ LeMahieu (NYY)

Third Base

1. Matt Chapman (TOR)
2. Alex Bregman (HOU)
3. Jose Ramirez (CLE)
4. Rafael Devers (BOS)

Shortstop

1. Bo Bichette (TOR)
2. Carlos Correa (MIN)
3. Xander Bogaerts (BOS)
4. Corey Seager (TEX)

Outfield

1. Aaron Judge (NYY)
2. Julio Rodriguez (SEA)
3. Kyle Tucker (HOU)
4. Mike Trout (LAA)
5. Randy Arozarena (TB)
6. George Springer (TOR)
7. Taylor Ward (LAA)
8. Anthony Santander (BAL)
9. Adolis Garcia (TEX)
10. Teoscar Hernandez (TOR)

Catcher

1. Alejandro Kirk (TOR)
2. Sean Murphy (OAK)
3. Cal Raleigh (SEA)
4. Adley Rutschman (BAL)
5. Salvador Perez (KC)
6. Martin Maldonado (HOU)

Designated Hitter

1. Shohei Ohtani (LAA)
2. Yordan Alvarez (HOU)
3. Giancarlo Stanton (NYY)
4. George Springer (TOR)
5. Adolis Garcia (TEX)

Utility

1. Luis Arraez (MIN)
2. Shohei Ohtani (LAA)
3. DJ LeMahieu (NYY)
4. Luis Rengifo (LAA)

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National League Silver Slugger Finalists

First Base

1. Paul Goldschmidt (STL)
2. Freddie Freeman (LAD)
3. Pete Alonso (NYM)
4. Matt Olson (ATL)
5. Christian Walker (ARI)

Second Base

1. Jeff McNeil (NYM)
2. Jake Cronenworth (SD)
3. Ketel Marte (ARI)
4. Kolten Wong (MIL)
5. Brendan Rodgers (COL)

Third Base

1. Manny Machado (SD)
2. Nolan Arenado (STL)
3. Austin Riley (ATL)
4. Justin Turner (LAD)

Shortstop

1. Trea Turner (LAD)
2. Willy Adames (MIL)
3. Francisco Lindor (NYM)
4. Dansby Swanson (ATL)

Outfield

1. Mookie Betts (LAD)
2. Kyle Schwarber (PHI)
3. Juan Soto (SD)
4. Starling Marte (NYM)
5. Joc Pederson (SF)
6. Michael Harris II (ATL)
7. Bryan Reynolds (PIT)
8. Hunter Renfroe (MIL)
9. Brandon Nimmo (NYM)

Catcher

1. Will Smith (LAD)
2. J.T. Realmuto (PHI)
3. Willson Contreras (CHC)
4. Travis D'Arnaud (ATL)

Designated Hitter

1. Josh Bell (SD)
2. Albert Pujols (STL)
3. Luke Voit (WSH)
4. Justin Turner (LAD)
5. Charlie Blackmon (COL)
6. Bryce Harper (PHI)

Utility

1. Brandon Drury (SD)
2. Tommy Edman (STL)
3. Thairo Estrada (SF)
4. Jeff McNeil (NYM)
5. Chris Taylor (LAD)

The Silver Slugger Award winners will be revealed on Thursday, Nov. 10, during a special one-hour show on MLB Network.