MLB

Predicting 10 NL Silver Slugger Award Winners

Predicting 10 NL Silver Slugger Award Winners

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
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A power shift is being made in the National League. This season eight of the Silver Sluggers will be first time winners. Here is are my predictions for National League Silver Slugger at each position.

Pitcher: Madison Bumgarner

Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants
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Pitcher: Madison Bumgarner

Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants
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When a pitcher hits two grandslams in one season and leads the league in home runs, he is the clear favorite to win the Silver Slugger at the position. Bumgarner has a .242 average to go with a pitcher leading three home runs. This season he has not only gotten it done on the mound, but also at the plate.

Catcher: Buster Posey

Buster Posey San Francisco Giants
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Catcher: Buster Posey

Buster Posey San Francisco Giants
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In perhaps the closest position of all, Buster Posey will be the NL catcher who wins the award. Although Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy has had a stellar season, Posey's second-half has been at an MVP level. He leads catchers in batting average, home runs and RBIs and has been the leader in the Giants' recent resurgence.

Catcher: Jonathan Lucroy

Jonathan Lucroy Milwaukee Brewers
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Catcher: Jonathan Lucroy

Jonathan Lucroy Milwaukee Brewers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Of all players who will be snubbed, Jonathan Lucroy has had the strongest season at any position. This season he will become the first catcher to win the National League in doubles in history. He has been steady all season, but Posey's return to MVP form will keep him from winning his first award.

First Base: Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
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First Base: Anthony Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo Chicago Cubs
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Though he has spent some time on the disabled list, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has shown that he is a big part of the team's future. He leads all first baseman in home runs and is in the top ten in RBIs and batting average. This season the All-star has shown that he is ready to be mentioned among the elite.

Second Base: Neil Walker

Neil Walker Pittsburgh Pirates
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Second Base: Neil Walker

Neil Walker Pittsburgh Pirates
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This season has been a down year for National League second baseman, but Neal Walker has continued to produce. With a .279 batting average and position leading 20 home runs, he will win the award for the first time in his career.

Third Base: Todd Frazier

Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds
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Third Base: Todd Frazier

Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds
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In a year that the Cincinnati Reds failed to achieve, third baseman Todd Frazier shined. After delivering and winning runner up in the home run derby, he has lead the position with 26 home runs. With a .279 batting average to go along with the homers, Fraizer has been the position's best player.

Shortstop: Starlin Castro

Starlin Castro Chicago Cubs
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Shortstop: Starlin Castro

Starlin Castro Chicago Cubs
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Starlin Castro was in a make-or-break season with the Cubs, and he came through big. With two top shortstops in the system, Castro showed that he needs to remain a fixture in the team's lineup. He has a .292 batting average to lead all shortstops, and is fifth with 14 home runs.

Outfielder: Giancarlo Stanton

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielder: Giancarlo Stanton

Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubt that Giancarlo Stanton is a Silver Slugging outfielder. With 37 home runs he has not only become the league's best power hitter, but the most feared bat in the game.

Outfielder: Carlos Gomez

Carlos Gomez Milwaukee Brewers
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Outfielder: Carlos Gomez

Carlos Gomez Milwaukee Brewers
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When Carlos Gomez swings, he swings hard. This season the two-time All-star has had a career year, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 69 runs, mostly from the leadoff position. He brings speed and power to the position and has become elite at the position.

Outfielder: Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielder: Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen Pittsburgh Pirates
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew McCutchen is second behind teammate Josh Harrison among all outfielders for batting average and is making a case for his second straight NL MVP award. With 23 home runs and 73 RBIs, he has remained a force in the heart of the Pirates' lineup.

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