When you have five of the nine starters in your lineup nominated for the Silver Slugger award at their respective positions, you know your offense is elite.
That is the case with the Houston Astros.
We didn’t need any type of validation to assure you they have the league’s best offense, but it’s a mind-blowing fact anyway.
“Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez and Martín Maldonado (!) all Silver Slugger finalists,” the Houston Chronicle’s Chandler Rome tweeted.
Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez and Martín Maldonado (!) all Silver Slugger finalists. https://t.co/uWmCwxSU73
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 27, 2022
The Silver Slugger award is given to the best hitter in each league at every position of the diamond.
The nominees are based on MLB manager and coach votes.
Maldonado did hit 15 home runs, but his wRC+ was 70: for this stat, which assesses offensive performance relative to the league average, Maldonado rated well below the league average of 100.
He wasn’t a very good offensive performer and probably won’t win.
The Astros Are Stacked
The other four Astros among the nominees are legitimate offensive weapons, though.
Alvarez (185 wRC+) and Altuve (164 wRC+) were brilliant, outstanding all year long; while Bregman (136 wRC+) and Tucker (129 wRC+) are also worthy candidates but their chances are not as good.
The amazing thing is that the Astros offense had other excellent performers beyond those five.
Chas McCormick was above-average, Jeremy Pena had a fantastic rookie season, and Michael Brantley was a difference-maker when he was healthy.
With that offense and an elite pitching staff, Houston is the favorite to win the World Series, but they will have one last obstacle to overcome: the tough Philadelphia Phillies.
As the postseason has shown us, they can beat elite squads, too.
We will find out which team will be crowned as MLB champions in a few days.
NEXT: Video Hypes Up Dusty Baker As His Quest Continues