Josh Smith Wins 2024 AL Silver Slugger Award

By Nate Miller

Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images

November 12, 2024

Texas Rangers infielder Josh Smith has won the 2024 AL Silver Slugger Award at the utility position. The announcement came on Tuesday night during a televised awards show on MLB Network. The Silver Slugger Award is given annually by Louisville Slugger to the top offensive players at each position in both leagues.

First Time for Smith

This signifies Smith’s first career Silver Slugger Award. It’s also the first time for a Ranger to claim the honor at the utility position since the category debuted in 2022. This marks the first time for the club to feature at least one winner in three consecutive seasons since 2010–12. Additionally, they have had four Silver Slugger Award winners in the last three seasons. With Smith’s win, they have surpassed their total from the previous 11 years (2011–21).

Smith, who turned 27 on August 7, produced career highs in all four slash categories (.258/.337/.394/.731). He finished the season with 13 home runs, 62 RBI, 46 walks, 67 runs, 135 hits, and 30 doubles. He ranked among AL hitters in times hit by pitch, doubles, and on-base percentage. Smith batted .315/.409/.460/.869 (39-for-124) with runners in scoring position, ranking among the AL’s best with RISP in OBP (9th), BA (13th), and hits (T-13th).

Great against Lefties

Josh Smith slashed .286/.345/.429/.774 (36-for-126) versus left-handed pitching. That gave him the fourth-highest qualified batting average against left-handers among left-handed batters in the AL. Only Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros, Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians, and teammate Nathaniel Lowe posted higher marks.

Smith appeared in a career-high 149 games, making 135 starts. He started 76 games at third base, 41 at shortstop, and 13 at DH. Smith also played four games in left field, and one in right. He started 69 of 102 games at third base while Josh Jung was on the Injured List from April 2 to July 28. Smith reached base via hit, walk, or hit by pitch in 109 of his 135 starts. This includes 17 consecutive from April 12 to May 2. Two other Rangers who were selected as finalists for 2024 Silver Slugger Awards did not win: second baseman Marcus Semien and shortstop Corey Seager.