The top hitters of the major tournaments were honored Thursday night with the announcement of the winners of the 2021 Silver Bates Awards for both episodes.
Defending champion Braves led the way with four winners, and tied for second place with one team in one season, behind only the 1980 Cardinals (five). Among those to win it for the first time were Dominicans Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Shohei Ohtani, while Freddy Freeman, Dominicans Fernando Tates Jr. and Juan Jose Soto, and Venezuelan Salvador Perez (fourth time won). who repeated after taking it in 2020.
The Silver Bat Awards are awarded to the best offensive product in each position and in each league, and the winners are decided by a vote of the manager and three coaches from each team. Votes are based on a combination of player production reflected in stats, as well as coaches’ general impressions of each player’s offensive value. The best hitter selected in the MLS is included, while the best hitter in the National League is rewarded.
Los Angeles: Salvador Perez, Royals (4th Silver Bat)
LN: Buster Posey, Gigantes (5 to)
Los Angeles: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays (1st)
LN: Freddy Freeman, Braves (3rd place)
LN: Ozzy Albis, Braves (2nd place)
Los Angeles: Marcus Simin, Blue Jays (1st place)
Los Angeles: Xander Bogarts, Red Sox (fourth)
LN: Fernando Tates Jr., parents (second)
Los Angeles: Raphael Devers, Red Sox (1st place)
LN: Austin Riley, Braavos (1ro)
Los Angeles: Tuscar Hernandez, Azulejos (2do); Aaron Judge, Yankees (2do); Cedric Mullins, Orioles (1ro)
LN: Bryce Harper, Phillies (II); Juan Jose Soto, Citizens (2); Nick Castellanos, Reds (1st place)
Shohei Ohtani, Angelinos (1ro)