Major Baseball announced Thursday the winners of the Silver Bats, awarded to the best hitters at each position, and there were no surprises regarding Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.
The latter won the second prize of his career. This season, the designated hitter posted 95 points and a .304 cushion percentage in 135 games.
• Also read: Shohei Ohtani donates 60,000 baseball gloves
• Also read: Major League Baseball free agents: Shohei Ohtani and others
Also in the American rankings, the Blue Jays’ only finalist in that ranking, Whit Merrifield, was not selected as a utility player as Gunnar Henderson received preference.
Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, two representatives of the World Series-winning Texas Rangers, also received the honor.
Olson preferred Freeman
The biggest question was certainly who, Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, would be the favorite to win the NL First Baseman Award.
Ultimately, it was the first city chosen. Olson posted 27 doubles and a .283 batting average this year.
Additionally, Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres tied Mike Trout for the most Silver Bats under age 25 with four.
American League
Outfielders: Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros), Julio Rodríguez (Seattle Mariners) and Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox)
First base: Yandy Diaz (Tampa Bay Rays)
Second baseman: Marcus Semien (Texas Rangers)
Third base: Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox)
Shortstop: Corey Seager (Texas Rangers)
Catcher: Adleyrutschman (Baltimore Orioles)
Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels)
Utility Player: Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles)
Bundesliga
Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves), Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Juan Soto (San Diego Padres)
First baseman: Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)
Second baseman: Luis Arráez (Miami Marlins)
Third baseman: Austin Riley (Atlanta Braves)
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor (New York Mets)
Catcher: William Conteras (Milwaukee Brewers)
Designated hitter: Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)
Utility Player: Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs)