Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso earned new spots in the New York Mets history book this past season. So, it’s only fitting that both stars were named finalists by MLB on Thursday for a 2023 Silver Slugger Award at their respective positions.
Other than Lindor, the National League shortstop nominees include Xander Bogaerts, Trea Turner, and Dansby Swanson. At first base, Alonso is up against Matt Olson and Freddie Freeman.
Lindor and Alonso Named Finalists for 2023 Silver Slugger Awards
The Silver Slugger Award gets rewarded to the best offensive player at each position on the diamond in both leagues. MLB Network will announce the winners on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. ET.
The last Mets Silver Slugger winner was Jeff McNeil in 2022. Before that, Yoenis Céspedes won in 2016.
Lindor Joins an Elite Club in 2023
Lindor joined an elusive club last year by becoming only the fourth Met, and first shortstop, to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in the same year. Other members of the organization’s 30/30 club include Darryl Strawberry (1987), Howard Johnson (1987, 1989, 1991), and David Wright (2007).
With his second home run of the night, Francisco Lindor joins a list of great Mets as the 4th player in Mets history to record 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season 💥🏃🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/Z0ZGAvRX6M
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 28, 2023
In total, Lindor ranked first among NL shortstops with 31 home runs, 98 RBI, and an .806 OPS while ranking third with 33 doubles and 31 steals. Both his wRC+ (121) and OPS+ (120) indicate his offensive season was around 20 percent better than league average.
A win would give the almost-30-year-old his third Silver Slugger (he won in Cleveland in 2017-18). This nomination adds to the accolades Lindor has already received for a great all-around 2023. In October, he was named a Gold Glove finalist at shortstop.
Swanson is the only other NL shortstop nominated for both awards this year. If Lindor wins both, it will be the first time in his career that he has earned a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in the same season.
Alonso Cements Himself as a Mets Franchise Icon
In just five big league seasons, Alonso is already the best power hitter in Mets history. While he’s on track to cementing his status as the best power hitter of his generation, Alonso has yet to win a Silver Slugger. Unfortunately for him, he might have to wait another year, as Freeman and Olson both are MVP candidates. Last season, Alonso had the best year of his career and lost the Silver Slugger to eventual NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt.
While Alonso produced his worst batting average (.217) year, he was still an elite power producer. His 46 homers were third best in the entire sport while his 118 RBI ranked second. His .821 OPS, 122 OPS+, and 121 wRC+ indicate great offensive production.
Home run No. 40 for Pete Alonso, who has hit that mark three times in his first five career seasons (one of which was shortened by the pandemic). Only Ralph Kiner had more 40-homer campaigns through his first five seasons. pic.twitter.com/PFF7Jh8Q9D
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 3, 2023
There have been six 40-home run seasons in Mets history. Alonso has half of them. He joined Mike Piazza as the only Met with four seasons of 30 or more homers while tying HoJo on the franchise all-time home run list (192). Alonso needs 62 more to tie Strawberry, and it’s not outlandish to think he can do it next season.
In 2023, Alonso produced a season that officially put his career on a Hall of Fame path. It says a lot about what type of player he has become that many might say his season was not good enough. He has twice produced a season with 40+ homers, .26o or better batting average, and an OPS+ above 146. At his best, Alonso is much more than just a power hitter.
Main Photo Credits: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
