Luis Robert Jr is a Silver Slugger finalist. On Thursday the MLB named Robert as one of the seven American League outfielders in the running to earn the title as the best offensive player at their position in 2023.
The nomination comes as no surprise, as Robert was one of the lone bright spots for the 2023 White Sox. He is also in the running for a Gold Glove Award for his defensive work in center field.
The White Sox center fielder is facing some tough competition. Robert’s fellow finalists are Randy Arozareana, Adolis Garcia, Aaron Judge, Julio Rodriguez, Anthony Santander, and Kyle Tucker. Judge and Rodriguez make up two of the three reigning AL outfield Silver Slugger winners and are in search of a repeat.
Judge hit 37 home runs in just 106 games and Rodgriguez put together the first 30-30 season of his young career. Meanwhile, Garcia hit 39 homers with a .836 OPS during the regular season and is coming off an electric playoff run. Santander hit 23 homers and drove in 95 RBIs while helping the Baltimore Orioles capture the AL East crown. Arozarena had 23 homers and 22 steals for Tampa Bay and Tucker led the AL with 112 RBIs.
While Robert is facing some stiff competition his resume rises above the rest. The 26-year-old also became the first player in franchise history to hit at least 35 home runs, 35 doubles, and swipe 20 bases in one season. Robert’s 38 home runs were the second most in the AL. He also stole 20 bases, drove in 80 RBIs, and owned the third-highest slugging percentage (.542) among qualified American League hitters. Meanwhile, his expected slugging percentage also ranked in the MLB’s top nine percentile.
Robert already has a Gold Glove Award and All-Star appearance on his resume but has yet to add a Silver Slugger Award. The winner will be announced on MLB Network at 5 p.m. CT on November 9th.
