Buster Posey was named the National League’s Silver Slugger catcher. It’s the fifth time he’s won the award, and he joins Mike Piazza, Brian McCann, Jorge Posada, Joe Mauer, and Gary Carter as catchers who have at least five in their trophy case.
The award, which began in 1980, is determined by the manager and three coaches from each team. They account for statistical production as well as overall offensive impression.
Posey, in his 14th and final season, hit .304 with an .889 OPS. His 18 home runs were his best mark since 2015.
The 34-year-old was a lock for the award. He led all National League catchers who recorded at least 300 plate appearances in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, OPS+ and WAR.
The Giants’ load management plan helped him keep his legs under him after sitting out 2020 to spend time with his family. When Posey was at his best, he used all parts of the field; his most memorable home run of the year was a near-splash hit homer off Walker Buehler in the NLDS.
Brandon Crawford was the only other Giant nominated for a Silver Slugger, but San Diego’s Fernando Tatís Jr. won it.
Posey now finishes his illustrious career with one more award to add to his Wikipedia page. He has three World Series titles, an MVP, a Rookie of the Year, seven All-Star selections, two Comeback Player of the Years, a Gold Glove and now five Silver Sluggers.