A pair of sluggers earned postseason honors on Thursday.
Third baseman and outfielder were named winners of the Silver Slugger Award, regarded as the top offensive award in the majors presented annually to the best hitter at each position in both the National and American leagues as selected by MLB coaches and managers.
It is the eighth time multiple Rockies have won the award in the same season and the second consecutive time — and Arenado won in 2015.
“I’m honored, and grateful to be recognized among such an amazing group of players,” Blackmon said.
For Arenado, 25, it is his second honor. He led the majors with 133 runs batted in and was tied for the most home runs (41) in the National League. He was also the third player in MLB history to record consecutive 40 home run, 130 RBI seasons before turning 26.
Blackmon, 30, won his first Silver Slugger after batting .324 with 29 home runs and 82 RBI. He led the majors in home runs from the leadoff spot.
Winners are decided by a vote of managers and coaches. Selections are based on a combination of offensive statistics, including batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, as well as the managers’ and coaches’ general impressions of a player’s overall offensive value. Managers and coaches are not allowed to vote for players on their own teams.
Silver Slugger Award winners
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Catcher: Salvador Perez (Royals)
First base: Miguel Cabrera (Tigers)
Second base: Jose Altuve (Astros)
Third base: Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays)
Shortstop: Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox)
Outfield: Mookie Betts (Red Sox)
Outfield: Mike Trout (Angels)
Outfield: Mark Trumbo (Orioles)
Designated hitter: David Ortiz (Red Sox)
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Catcher: Wilson Ramos (Nationals)
First base: Anthony Rizzo (Cubs)
Second base: Daniel Murphy (Nationals)
Third base: Nolan Arenado (Rockies)
Shortstop: Corey Seager (Dodgers)
Outfield: Charlie Blackmon (Rockies)
Outfield: Yoenis Cespedes (Mets)
Outfield: Christian Yelich (Marlins)
Pitcher: Jake Arrieta (Cubs)
