While the Tampa Bay Rays’ 2023 season ended earlier than expected, three standout players —first baseman Yandy Diaz, outfielder Randy Arozarena, and third baseman Isaac Paredes —have emerged as finalists for the prestigious Silver Slugger award.
Yandy Diaz earns his first nomination at first base, boasting an impressive .330 batting average and a leading .957 OPS among all American League first basemen. His competition includes former Ray Nathaniel Lowe of the Texas Rangers, Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers, and Triston Casas of the Boston Red Sox.
In the outfield category, Randy Arozarena is one of seven finalists, contending against former winners Aaron Judge, Julio Rodriguez, as well as four potential first-time winners: Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, Anthony Santander of the Orioles, Adolis Garcia of the Rangers, and Kyle Tucker of the Astros.
Isaac Paredes is making waves as a finalist in two categories: third base and utility player. His competition at third base includes Houston’s Alex Bregman, Boston’s Rafael Devers, and Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez. As a utility player, he vies for the honor with Whit Merrifield of the Blue Jays, Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles, and Brandon Drury of the Los Angeles Angels.
Mark your calendars for November 9 at 6 pm when the winners will be announced on MLB Network.
Steve Carney is the founder and publisher of St. Pete Nine. One of the people most associated with baseball coverage in Tampa Bay, he spent 13 seasons covering the Rays for flagship radio station WDAE, first as producer of Rays Radio broadcasts, then as beat reporter beginning in 2011. He likes new analytics and aged bourbon, and is the owner of one of the ugliest knuckleballs ever witnessed by baseball scouts.
