Detroit Tigers: Silver Sluggers on the Right

What a great day for J.D. Martinez and for the other guy on the right side, Miguel Cabrera. Shortly after winning the Detroit Tigers Tiger of the Year Award, both men were awarded the Silver Slugger for right field and first base. For J.D. Martinez, this is the first year he has received both of these awards. Miguel Cabrera has won the Silver Slugger award in five previous seasons. 

Jun 21, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) singles to right against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

J.D. Martinez had a breakout year in 2015 with .282 BA with 102 RBIs and 38 home runs. Cabrera won the American League batting title with the highest batting average of .338. He hit 18 home runs and 76 RBIs. Cabrera managed this feat despite the fact that he missed several weeks of the season with an injury in his calf.

The Silver Slugger awards are chosen by managers and MLB coaches and is presented by Louisville Slugger. This year, the Detroit Tigers were the only American League team with two winners. In the National League, the Giants had three winners and the Rockies had two.

Sep 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a RBI single in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

As Tigers fans, we are fortunate to be able to watch Miguel Cabrera who is consistently named the best hitter on the planet. We are even more fortunate to be able to watch the growth of J.D. Martinez, who decided to model his swing after Cabrera’s. These two awards will certainly help Martinez get a contract extension that will keep him Detroit and put a few more millions in his bank account.

Congratulations to both Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez!