SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Donovan Solano’s improbable rise with the Giants culminated in a prize that not even he could have imagined this offseason.

After batting .326 with an .828 OPS over the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, Solano captured the National League Silver Slugger Award at second base, becoming the first Giant to take home the honor since Buster Posey in 2017.

Though he challenged for the NL batting title for much of last year, Solano said he wasn’t expecting to earn the hardware, as he assumed the Silver Slugger would go to the Mets’ Robinson Canό. Still, Solano realized he had a shot after he received messages from Cardinals manager Mike Shildt and D-backs bench coach Luis Urueta, who reached out to let him know they had voted for him.

“It surprised me because I felt like I had been so blessed last year that I couldn’t even imagine winning it,” Solano said in Spanish on Wednesday. “Looking at Canό’s numbers, I thought it would be difficult for them to give it to me, but thank God, I was able to win it. I was a little surprised by that achievement.”

The moment was a triumph for Solano, who has enjoyed a career renaissance since joining the Giants on a Minor League deal two years ago. But the 33-year-old veteran also experienced defeat this offseason after losing his arbitration hearing against the Giants on Feb. 17. Solano said he harbors no hard feelings against the Giants, who will owe him $3.25 million in his final year before free agency instead of the $3.9 million he had requested.

“Sometimes you ask yourself why, but at the same time, we knew that it would be difficult because of what happened last year with the 60-game season,” Solano said. “At the same time, we went to see what would happen and see if it would come out in our favor. We also knew it would be difficult because of the time I spent in Triple-A a few years ago, but in the end, we were willing to take the risk.”

Solano’s case marked the Giants’ first arbitration hearing since 2004. Teams typically try to avoid going to arbitration, as the experience can be alienating for players, who must hear arguments about why the club believes they deserve a lower salary. Solano followed the hearing via Zoom from his native Barranquilla, Colombia, and while an independent panel of arbitrators ultimately sided with the Giants, he still called the process “a great experience.”

“It’s part of the business,” Solano said. “They fought for one thing, we fought for another thing, and it got kind of interesting. In the end, we know it worked out for the best, and hopefully everything will stay that way. I don’t think it will affect anything.”

Even with the Silver Slugger Award under his belt, Solano’s role could evolve a bit now that the Giants have signed infielder Tommy La Stella to a three-year, $18.75 million deal. Solano still figures to draw the lion’s share of reps at second base, but La Stella -- who plays second and third base -- could end up absorbing some at-bats against right-handed pitching.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” Solano said. “I think Tommy is a player that’s going to help the team. We’re all here fighting for the same cause, and that’s to make the playoffs and become champions. Last year, I faced a lot of lefties and split time with other teammates, so if I play a similar role this year, I’ll do it because it’s what the team needs. This year we’ll be ready to play whenever we’re needed.”

Solano, who is affectionately called “Donnie Barrels” by his teammates, said he hopes to maintain the same level of offensive production he enjoyed last year, though he hopes to hit for a bit more power in 2021. Another focus for him will be to solidify his defense around the infield, especially after he committed 11 errors over 52 games last year.

“Last year I was a bit inconsistent on defense, so it’s something I want to work on in the short term,” Solano said. “I’m focusing on having good defense so I can contribute more to the team.”