HOUSTON – Five Braves were announced as National League Silver Slugger finalists Monday.
First baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Ozzie Albies, third baseman Austin Riley, outfielder Adam Duvall and starter Max Fried could earn silver sluggers in 2021.
Since 1980, the Louisville Silver Slugger has been awarded to the best offensive producer at each position in each league.
The Braves had a franchise-record four Silver Sluggers last season, so they have the chance to break that mark this year. Freeman is vying for his third consecutive Silver Slugger. He hit .300 with 31 homers, 83 RBIs and 120 runs scored. Duvall hit 38 homers and led the NL in RBIs (113). He hit 16 homers with 45 RBIs after joining the Braves at the trade deadline.
Albies is trying for his second Silver Slugger after hitting 30 homers, collecting 106 RBIs and scoring 103 runs. Riley had a breakout season in which he hit .303 with 33 home runs, 107 RBIs and 91 runs scored.
It’d be an upset if Fried didn’t win his first Silver Slugger. Considered perhaps the best hitting pitcher in the majors, Fried hit .273 with three doubles and five RBIs in 55 at-bats. His pinch-hit walk-off single led the Braves past the Marlins on July 4.
Silver Slugger winners will be announced during a presentation Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. on MLB Network.
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