José Altuve, the outstanding Venezuelan baseball player, achieved his seventh Silver Bat in his career, leading a group of eleven Latin players selected as the best in Major League Baseball's offense in the 2024 season. The winners of the American and National Leagues, as well as the standout offensive teams of each league, were revealed this Tuesday by the MLB.
Altuve, who is part of the Astros, stood out at second base in the American League with a batting average of .295, 20 home runs, and 95 RBIs. In the National League, Dominican Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks received his first award as Best Second Baseman of the Year thanks to his 36 home runs and 95 RBIs.
At third base in the American League, José Ramírez of the Guardians achieved his fifth Silver Bat with 39 doubles, 39 home runs, and 40 stolen bases. Meanwhile, Manny Machado of the Padres stood out in the National League with 105 RBIs and 29 home runs, winning his second award.
Salvador Pérez of the Royals led American League catchers with 104 RBIs, earning his fifth Silver Bat. Meanwhile, William Contreras of the Brewers took home his first award in the National League after setting personal records with 23 home runs and 92 RBIs.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays won his second award at first base in the circuit with 199 hits and a batting average of .323. Bryce Harper of the Phillies earned his fourth award at first base in the National League.
Francisco Lindor of the Mets stood out as the best offensive shortstop in the National League, achieving 33 home runs and 29 stolen bases. On the other hand, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals led in batting average in the American League with .332 and achieved a 30-30 with 32 home runs and 31 stolen bases, thereby earning his first Silver Bat.
In the outfielder position, Anthony Santander of the Orioles earned his first Silver Bat in the American League with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs. Juan Soto, a Dominican from the Yankees, received five awards in the American League with 41 home runs and 128 runs scored. Aaron Judge, his teammate on the Yankees, achieved his fourth award in the American League with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs.
In the National League, Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers won his third recognition with 33 home runs. Jurickson Profar of the Padres obtained his first Silver Bat with 24 home runs. Jackson Merrill, Profar's teammate and rookie, also received this distinction.
Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers was recognized as the Best Designated Hitter in the National League with 54 home runs. Brent Rooker of the Athletics received the award in the American League. In terms of collective awards, the Dodgers were recognized as the best offensive team in the National League, while the Yankees were awarded in the American League. The awards for the best 'utility' players went to Mookie Betts of the Dodgers and Josh Smith of the Rangers.
In summary, the distribution of the Silver Bats was a recognition of the excellence and talent of Latin players in Major League Baseball during the 2024 season.
