Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and catcher Salvador Perez have been named finalists for the 2023 Louisville Silver Slugger Awards in the American League, according to an announcement by Louisville Slugger. Witt Jr. is one of three finalists at shortstop, alongside Seattle’s J.P. Crawford and Texas’ Corey Seager. Perez is joined by Seattle’s Cal Raleigh and Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman as candidates at the catcher position. The finalists were determined based on votes cast by managers and coaches in each league to recognize the best offensive performers at each position.
The winners of the Louisville Silver Slugger Awards will be revealed on MLB Network during a telecast starting at 5:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, Nov. 9.
Witt Jr. had an outstanding season in 2023, recording 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases, becoming the first player in Royals history with a 30-homer, 30-steal campaign. He ranked third in the American League with 177 hits and led the Majors with 11 triples. Witt Jr. also ranked high in stolen bases, total bases, runs scored, extra-base hits, and batting average among American League leaders.
Perez, the veteran catcher, hit 23 home runs in 2023, marking his seventh career season with at least 20 homers. He also had 80 RBI and finished the season with 246 career home runs, leading all active catchers. If Perez wins the award, it would be his fifth career Silver Slugger honor, making him the ninth player to win at least five Louisville Silver Slugger Awards as a catcher. Perez’s four career Silver Slugger Awards already set a club record.
The final winners will be announced during the MLB Network telecast, where fans will find out if Witt Jr. and Perez secure the prestigious Louisville Silver Slugger Awards for their outstanding offensive performances in the 2023 season.