Mariners’ Nelson Cruz picks up second career Silver Slugger Award
Nov 9, 2017, 4:53 PM | Updated: Nov 10, 2017, 1:32 pm
Nelson Cruz won his second Silver Slugger award, both of which he's won as a Mariner. (AP)
(AP)
Nelson Cruz has been recognized as the best designated hitter in the American League, awarded the Silver Slugger Award as determined by a vote of Major League managers and coaches. It is his second career Silver Slugger Award, the first he has earned as a designated hitter. Both awards have been won in a Mariners uniform.
Drayer: What we know about potential M’s target Shohei Otani
Cruz hit .288/.375/.549 with 91 runs, 28 doubles, 39 home runs and 119 RBIs in 155 games with the Mariners in 2017. The 119 RBIs were a career high for Cruz and led the American League. The 3-foot silver trophy which will be engraved with Cruz’s name will be presented in an on-field ceremony early next season.
After his age-36 season, Cruz is tied with Kansas City’s Hal McRae as the second oldest player to lead the American League in RBI. Only Edgar Martinez, who led the league in his age-37 season, has been older.
Cruz joins elite company in winning a Silver Slugger as a Mariner joining Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Edgar Martinez, Bret Boone and Ichiro, who have combined to win 23 of the silver trophies.
Other American League winners announced on the hour-long telecast on the MLB Network included Eric Hosmer (1B), Jose Altuve (2B), Francisco Lindor (SS), Jose Ramirez (3B), Gary Sanchez (C), Justin Upton (OF), Aaron Judge (OF), and George Springer (OF).
