Ohtani, Will Smith, Freeman, Muncy Nominated for Silver Slugger Awards

The race for baseball’s most prestigious offensive honor is getting intense. Louisville Slugger just revealed the finalists for the 2025 Silver Slugger Awards.

This annual award recognizes the top hitters at each position in both leagues, with Major League Baseball managers and coaches casting their votes. The Los Angeles Dodgers landed four players among the finalists: Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy.

Each of these guys put up eye-popping numbers. Their performances will be stacked up against other big hitters from around the league before the November 6 announcement.

Dodgers Shine in 2025 Silver Slugger Finalist List

The Dodgers’ offense has been something to watch this year. Their showing among the finalists says a lot about the team’s depth and just how many ways they can beat you with the bat.

The Silver Slugger Awards, first handed out in 1980, are still among baseball’s most respected trophies for hitters. This year’s field? Absolutely stacked.

Shohei Ohtani’s Record-Chasing Season

Shohei Ohtani isn’t new to Silver Slugger buzz—he’s already won it three times. This season, he hit .282, blasted 55 home runs, and swiped 20 bases.

Ohtani’s combo of power and speed feels almost unreal in today’s game. He’s got a real shot at a fourth Silver Slugger, but Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber is right there with his own monster numbers.

Will Smith’s Offensive Brilliance Despite Injury

Will Smith led all NL catchers with a .296 average, showing off his patience and power with a 153 wRC+. He set the tone for the lineup from behind the plate.

A hand fracture in September forced him to miss some time, which definitely hurt his late-season stats. Even so, Smith’s body of work keeps him in the thick of the race against Milwaukee’s William Contreras and Colorado’s Hunter Goodman.

Freddie Freeman Aims for Fourth Silver Slugger

Freddie Freeman already owns three Silver Sluggers, and he just keeps hitting. He finished with a .295 average, 24 homers, and 39 doubles.

Freeman’s been one of baseball’s most reliable bats for years. He’s up against Pete Alonso and Matt Olson, both known for their power. It’s been a while since a Dodgers first baseman took home this award—Adrián González did it in 2014, and Freeman would love to change that.

Max Muncy’s Remarkable Comeback

Max Muncy made the top four NL third basemen despite a season full of injuries. He missed 47 games, which usually knocks a player out of the running, but when he played, he produced.

His competitors include Matt Chapman, Manny Machado, and Austin Riley. Dodgers fans have waited a long time for a third baseman to win this—Adrián Beltré last did it in 2004.

Historical Context and What’s at Stake

The Silver Slugger Awards have set the standard for offensive excellence for over forty years. For the Dodgers, there’s some real history on the line:

• Last Dodgers catcher to win: Russell Martin, 2007
• Last Dodgers first baseman to win: Adrián González, 2014
• Last Dodgers third baseman to win: Adrián Beltré, 2004

Looking Ahead to November 6

All eyes are on Louisville Slugger’s announcement on November 6. With so many Dodgers players among the finalists, it wouldn’t be shocking if the franchise grabbed more than one award.

That would really underline the team’s reputation as an offensive powerhouse. Plus, it’d send a message heading into the 2026 season—though, who knows, there’s always a surprise or two.

As anticipation builds, one thing’s for sure: Ohtani’s power-speed combo, Smith’s sharp hitting, Freeman’s steady approach, and Muncy’s resilience give Dodgers fans plenty to get excited about. The Silver Slugger Awards aren’t just trophies; they’re a celebration of the best hitters in the game.

This year, the Dodgers seem ready to make a little history. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

 
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