Wilyer Abreu is nearly certain to add another trophy in his case later this fall. The Boston Red Sox right fielder led MLB with 28 defensive runs saved and he seems like a lock for his third Gold Glove award in as many years.
But Abreu could also add another, new trophy to his ever-growing stash. He posted the best offensive year of his career and a Silver Slugger award could be coming his way. FanSided has partnered with Louisville Slugger to announce this year's winners, and the Red Sox could have a few finalists in the mix.
There is no Silver Slugger award for specific outfield positions. In both leagues. three awards go to deserving outfielders, regardless of position. Still, Abreu has had serious competition in right field in the past that is out of the picture this year.
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, a five-time Silver Slugger winner, spent over three months on the injured list with two different injuries this season. His 66 games played are not enough to qualify for another Silver Slugger title, opening the door for the voting pool of MLB managers and coaches to give more consideration to Abreu.
Wilyer Abreu's chances to win a Silver Slugger with Red Sox are better than ever with Aaron Judge out of contention
Abreu batted .248/.327/.446 with 38 doubles, four triples and 24 home runs over a career-high 157 games. His 24 home runs came in second-most on the Red Sox behind Willson Contreras (27) and he hit the second-most doubles in MLB this season behind Bryan Reynolds (40) of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Abreu has some stiff competition for an outfield Silver Slugger even with Judge out of the picture. Impending free agent Randy Arozarena leads all AL outfielders with a .865 OPS and he hit two more home runs than Abreu. He also clocked an AL-leading 151 wRC+, 15 points ahead of the second place holder, Riley Greene. Abreu came in 11th with a 112 wRC+. Greene won his first Silver Slugger last year and he ranks second in OPS (.844) behind Arozarena. Jac Caglianone, Dominic Canzone, Chase DeLauter and Kody Clemens have also made great cases for the award.
Despite the competition, Abreu has a better chance than ever to win the award. A healthy Judge is is guaranteed Silver Slugger win, automatically taking up one of three available outfield awards. Abreu's home run and doubles totals should give him a good chance at his first offensive award.
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