Houston Astros Outfielder Wins First Silver Slugger Award
Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker won an American League Silver Slugger on Thursday, the only Astros hitter to claim the award for 2023.
Tucker’s Silver Slugger was the first of his career. He is now a two-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner in 2022 and has finished in the Top 20 in MVP voting the past two seasons.
The Silver Slugger Awards are voted on by MLB managers and coaches and are given to the top offensive player at each position in each league. That includes three outfielders and one utility player in each league.
In addition to his Silver Slugger, Tucker was named the Astros’ Most Valuable Player by the Houston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Tucker slashed .284/.369/.517/.886 with 29 home runs, 112 RBI and 30 stolen bases. His 112 RBI was an American League-high.
He and the Astros won the American League West on the final day of the season, drawing into a tie with the Texas Rangers but claiming the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with a tiebreaker with the Rangers.
The Astros beat the Minnesota Twins in the AL Division Series but fell to the Rangers in seven games in the ALCS in their attempt to defend their World Series title.
Since, the Astros have lost their manager, as Dusty Baker retired.
Tucker will be able to bring a strong case in salary arbitration, especially if he finishes high in American League MVP voting, though he was not a finalist.
He and the Astros tried to agree to a long-term contract last offseason but were unable to come to terms.
