2014 MLB Awards: Early Predictions of AL Silver Slugger Award Winners

By Connor Muldowney

Early-Season AL Silver Slugger Predictions

Mike Trout — Although the season has barely even gotten through one month, it's never too early to look at early-season award predictions. I've already taken a look at early-season MVPs for each league, now it's time to predict who will win the Silver Slugger award from each position in the American League.

Catcher: Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles

Matt Wieters

Catcher: Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles

Matt Wieters — Matt Wieters is the top-hitting catcher in all of baseball today and it would be a big surprise if he didn't take home the 2014 Silver Slugger award for American League catchers.

2014 Stats: .337 AVG, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 13 Runs, .369 OBP

First Base: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels

Albert Pujols

First Base: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels

Albert Pujols — If Albert Pujols is back playing like he did in St. Louis, the rest of MLB should be in complete panic mode. Watching Pujols hit this year has been quite a treat -- especially since he reached his 500th home run.

2014 Stats: .293 AVG, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 23 Runs, 1 SB, .358 OBP

Second Base: Ian Kinsler, Detroit Tigers

Ian Kinsler

Second Base: Ian Kinsler, Detroit Tigers

Ian Kinsler — Ian Kinsler has been a pretty good pickup for the Tigers this season as getting rid of a very expensive and underperforming Prince Fielder seems like a smart decision now.

2014 Stats: .307 AVG, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 21 Runs, 3 SB, .343 OBP

Third Base: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Evan Longoria

Third Base: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Evan Longoria — The third base position has been pretty sorry in the American League this season, but Evan Longoria has been the least sorry of all third basemen. It has been five years since Longoria last won a Silver Slugger and he's long overdue.

2014 Stats: .268 AVG, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 18 Runs, .327 OBP

Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox

Alexei Ramirez

Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox

Alexei Ramirez — Alexei Ramirez has been on a tear this season and it looks like his recent batting woes from previous seasons are behind him.

2014 Stats: .338 AVG, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 23 Runs, 5 SB, .367 OBP

Outfielder 1: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout

Outfielder 1: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout Intro — Mike Trout will be fighting for his first MVP award this season and it will be tough to do because Miguel Cabrera looks like he's on his way back up after a slow start to the season. He will, however, probably snag his third straight Silver Slugger award.

2014 Stats: .287 AVG, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 24 Runs, 4 SB, .373 OBP

Outfielder 2: Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers

Torii Hunter

Outfielder 2: Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers

Torii Hunter — The ageless wonder these days is also known as Torii Hunter. The Tigers' veteran outfielder has been nothing short of great this season, batting well over .300 and coming up in the clutch on multiple occasions. He won the award last year as well.

2014 Stats: .318 AVG, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 15 Runs, 1 SB, .339 OBP

Outfielder 3: Nelson Cruz, Baltimore Orioles

Nelson Cruz

Outfielder 3: Nelson Cruz, Baltimore Orioles

Nelson Cruz — Nelson Cruz was a questionable pickup by the Orioles this offseason -- or so 'experts' thought. The outfielder has been smashing everything he sees and he would get my vote for a Silver Slugger award if the season ended today.

2014 Stats: .287 AVG, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 22 Runs, .356 OBP

Designated Hitter: Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers

Victor Martinez

Designated Hitter: Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers

Victor Martinez — Victor Martinez is yet another ageless wonder for the Tigers on this list and he's playing arguably better than he has ever played in a Detroit uniform. Coming off major surgery two years ago, his performance at the age of 35 is quite impressive.

2014 Stats: .333 AVG, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 14 Runs, 1 SB, .389 OBP

Connor Muldowney is the Content Associate for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at connor.muldowney@rantsports.com.