How Royals’ Salvador Perez, Bobby Witt Jr. stack up in Silver Slugger award race
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. made Royals history this season by hitting 30 home runs and stealing 30 bases, an accomplishment that didn’t go unnoticed around baseball.
Because of his success, Witt could do something else unprecedented in franchise history. No Royals shortstop has ever won a Silver Slugger award, but Witt was announced as a finalist for the honor on Thursday, along with catcher Salvador Perez.
While this would be the first award for Witt, 23, Perez is in the running for a fifth Silver Slugger trophy. The Silver Slugger awards are given out annually to the best offensive player at each position.
The other American League finalists at shortstop are Seattle’s J.P. Crawford and Texas’ Corey Seager. The finalists at catcher include Seattle’s Cal Raleigh and Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman.
In addition to becoming the first Royals player ever with a 30-30 season, Witt led the American League with 11 triples and his 177 hits were the third-most in the league behind Marcus Semien (185) and Julio Rodríguez (180).
Witt was also third in total bases (317) and his offensive Wins Above Replacement (4.9) ranked ninth in the American League, per Baseball Reference. Seager was first in offensive WAR (6.4).
The Royals noted Perez tied for second among AL catchers in RBIs (80), and he was third in home runs (23) and hits (137).
Silver Slugger award winners will be revealed on the MLB Network on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 5 p.m.
Royals free agents
Players can declare for free agency the day after the World Series ends, and the Royals have three who could do so Thursday. They are pitchers Zack Greinke and Brad Keller, along with infielder Matt Duffy.
Greinke, who turned 40 on Oct. 12, had a 5.06 ERA and may choose to retire. Keller, 28, appeared in just 11 games this season because of a shoulder injury.
Duffy, 32, batted .251 with eight doubles and 16 RBIs in 209 plate appearances.
Nate Eaton designated for assignment
Outfielder Nate Eaton was designated for assignment Thursday.
Also, the following players were reinstated from the 60-day Injured List: LHP Jake Brentz, LHP Kris Bubic, LHP Austin Cox, C Freddy Fermin, LHP Daniel Lynch IV, INF Vinnie Pasquantino, RHP Josh Staumont and LHP Josh Taylor.
