After not having a finalist during award season, Pete Alonso broke through. The Orioles’ first baseman, who led the American League with 43 home runs and 113 RBIs in his first year with the team, is a finalist for a Silver Slugger award.
Alonso’s competition at first base is the Boston Red Sox’s Willson Contreras.
Alonso is seeking to win a Silver Slugger in consecutive years. The 31-year-old won the award with the New York Mets in 2025.
Alonso’s 43 home runs were tied for the eighth highest Orioles history, and his 113 RBIs were the most since Chris Davis’ 117 in 2015.
Davis was the last Oriole first baseman to win a Silver Slugger in 2013. Alonso is seeking the fifth by an Oriole.
Outfielder Anthony Santander was the last Oriole to win a Silver Slugger in 2024.
Besides Davis, Eddie Murray (1983-1984) and Rafael Palmeiro (1998) won a Silver Slugger, which was first awarded in 1980.
Alonso won’t finish in the top 3 in American League Most Valuable Player award voting but will receive some down-ballot votes. That will be announced on November 12th.
The Silver Slugger is voted on by managers and three coaches of each team. The winners will be announced on November 17th at 6 p.m. on FanSided Baseball Insiders YouTube Channel.
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