Three members of the Atlanta Braves have won the 2023 NL Silver Slugger Award after an impressive season inside the batter’s box. First baseman Matt Olson, third baseman Austin Riley, and outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.
Matt Olson
Olson’s impressive 2023 season is well deserving of the hardware. At 29 years old, Olson is a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove award winner This time, he shows his value with the bat in his hand. Olson, who played all 162 games this season, led the majors in home runs (54), RBI (139), and slugging (.609). He also posted a very impressive .993 OPS, second in the NL. Not only did Olson show his ability for his pop, he also had a .283 batting average, showing he could hit at a high rate, too. Olson, who was traded to the Braves two years ago, beat Freddie Freeman and Pete Alonso for the award.
Austin Riley
Austin Riley’s second half of the season helped him win his second career Silver Slugger award. The 26-year-old has shown his pop and impressive batting skills throughout his tenure with the Braves. Riley, who played 159 games this season, led all third basemen in home runs, hits, and he was fifth in RBI. Although Riley didn’t hit 100 RBI this year, he impressed in the box in different scenarios. Riley, who only played for the Braves, beat out Nolan Arenado, Max Muncy, and Manny Machado.
Ronald Acuña Jr.
From start to finish, Acuña’s bat was as hot as a blowtorch this season. The 25-year old, coming for his first fully healthy this season since his ACL tear, proved the critics wrong. Acuña led the majors in plate appearances, at-bats, hits, OBP, OPS, OPS+, and total bases. A stat sheet stuffer, his impact without the bat on offense was lethal. Acuna, who played 159 games, also batted from the leadoff spot for every game he played. He mashed 41 home runs and added 106 RBI to his stat line. He beat out other finalists such as Corbin Carroll, Kyle Schwarber, Seiya Suzuki, and Cody Bellinger to add his third Silver Slugger award of his prominent career.
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