Altuve wins 2nd straight Silver Slugger Award
Second baseman third Astro to win Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in same year
Astros second baseman Jose Altuve added another award to his mantel on Thursday when he was named the winner of the Silver Slugger Award as the top offensive second baseman in the American League. He's the third player in franchise history to win a Silver Slugger Award, presented by Louisville Slugger, and a Gold Glove Award in the same season, joining second baseman Craig Biggio (1994-95, '97) and first baseman Jeff Bagwell (1994).
Altuve hit .313 with 40 doubles and four triples and set career highs with 15 home runs and 66 RBIs in 154 games last season. He led all AL second basemen in hits and doubles, while ranking second in batting average.
Among all AL players, Altuve led the league in hits (200) and stolen bases (38) for the second consecutive season, joining the Yankees' Snuffy Stirnweiss (1944-45) as the only players in Major League history to lead the AL in hits and steals in consecutive seasons. Altuve also became the first player in franchise history to reach 200 hits in a season twice.
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There have been 10 Astros who have won a Silver Slugger Award: Altuve (2014-15), outfielder Carlos Lee (2007), third baseman Morgan Ensberg (2005), left-handed pitcher Mike Hampton (1999), outfielder Moises Alou (1998), Bagwell (1994, '97, '99), Biggio (catcher in 1989, second baseman in 1994-95, 1997-98), first baseman Glenn Davis (1986), outfielder Jose Cruz (1983-84) and shortstop Dickie Thon (1983).
Established in 1980, the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards are the top offensive honor in Major League Baseball. Managers and coaches of all 30 Major League teams vote for the players they feel are the best offensive producers at each position in both the American and National Leagues.