Willson Contreras gave the Boston Red Sox everything they could've wanted and more in his first year with the club. He played the best first base defense the Sox have had in years, flashed some leadership skills, brought his infectious energy and, of course, hit well.
Contreras is one of three qualified hitters to finish the season with an OPS over .900. He led the Red Sox with a career-high 27 home runs. And his accomplishments have netted him recognition as a finalist for the first base Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award in the American League. For the second year in a row, FanSided is partnering with Louisville Slugger to announce the winners of this season's silver bats.
Contreras is up against some tough competition for the award, despite there being just one other finalist: Pete Alonso. The Baltimore Orioles first baseman struggled at the start of his tenure with his new club, but he eventually got hot and finished the season strong.
Alonso batted .210 through May 11, but he recovered well after a rough April. He slashed .267/.363/.522 with 24 doubles and 43 home runs over 161 games in 2026. His home run total is his highest since 2023 when he hit 46 homers.
Red Sox's Willson Contreras has uphill battle to beat Pete Alonso in AL first base Silver Slugger race
Contreras slashed .275/.386/.516, finishing the year with a higher batting average and on-base percentage than Alonso. But the Polar Bear has Contreras beat in slugging percentage, doubles and home runs, which means the Silver Slugger is Alonso's to lose.
Contreras only appeared twice as a DH, meaning he wouldn't have much business in the DH category for the Silver Slugger award. Even if he did, he wouldn't have any better luck. He'd be up against AL MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez (.316/.432/.601 slash line, 34 doubles, a triple and 42 home runs over 158 games) in that category. Ben Rice has also been named a finalist for the DH award — his 24 triples, four doubles and 41 home runs make a great case, but Alvarez has the edge.
Contreras had an outstanding season as the Sox's top hitter and he deserves some kind of recognition for the career-best numbers he produced this year, but the Silver Slugger probably won't be it. Alonso is one of the best home run hitters in the game and he thrived in his first year in the AL. He'll be a tough out as a division rival for a long time.
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