Louisville Slugger officially announced the finalists for the 2026 Silver Slugger Award on Thursday, highlighting elite offensive producers across Major League Baseball ahead of the November 17 winner reveal. Four Venezuelan stars have earned nominations for the prestigious honor, which recognizes the best offensive player at each position in both leagues.
The Contenders Shaping the American and National Leagues
The Silver Slugger Award is voted on annually by Major League managers and coaches, who are prohibited from voting for players on their own teams. Established in 1980, the honor expanded in recent years to include a utility offensive player category in 2022 and a team offensive award in 2023. The 2026 finalists feature two representatives from each league, with three of the four Venezuelan contenders also holding recent Gold Glove honors.
Standout Seasons for Venezuelan Finalists
Among the National League finalists, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno captured the league’s batting title with a .311 average, 147 hits, 16 home runs, and 83 RBIs over 124 games, adding a Gold Glove to his resume. Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio posted a .291 average with 152 hits, 25 homers, 75 RBIs, and 96 runs scored. In the American League, Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu reached the finalist list after tallying 24 home runs, 76 RBIs, and a .248 average. Willson Contreras rounds out the group as an American League first base finalist, completing his campaign with a .275 average, 27 home runs, and 81 RBIs.
The Road to the November Reveal
None of the four Venezuelan finalists have won the Silver Slugger Award previously. The official announcement naming the winners for each position is scheduled for November 17, 2026.
