Daniel Murphy, Wilson Ramos win Silver Slugger Awards

Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy and catcher Wilson Ramos were named Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winners on Thursday as the top hitters at their respective positions in the National League.

Nationals players have now won 12 Silver Sluggers Awards in the franchise’s history and it is the fifth consecutive season a player on the team has been honored. Murphy and Ramos are the first at their positions to earn the award for the Nationals.

“We are so proud to see Daniel and Wilson honored for the outstanding offensive seasons they delivered for us,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement released by the team. “The Silver Slugger Award has become something of a tradition in the Nationals’ organization and we are excited to see Daniel and Wilson carry that torch for us this season.”

Murphy finished first in the National League in slugging percentage (.595), doubles (47), on-base slugging percentage (.985), second in batting average (.347), and plate appearance per strikeout (10.21). He posted the highest single-season batting average in Nationals history at .347 and tied the Nationals record for hits and doubles in a season.

“I am honored by this award, and truly humbled to be a part of the group of players who are both alongside me this year, and those who came before me,” Murphy said in the statement. “As I’ve said before, I don’t know that I will always play well, but I hope that they say I always played hard. To be recognized by opposing coaches and managers is an honor.” 

Ramos set career marks in home runs (22), RBI (80), doubles (25), hits (148), batting average (.307), on-base percentage (.354, tied career-high), slugging percentage (.496) and OPS (.850). He led all National League catchers in slugging percentage and was second in batting average and home runs.

“I am humbled by this award and incredibly proud to have my name included with these other great players,” Ramos said in the statement. “It is an honor to know that I was selected by other teams’ coaches and managers. I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, trainers, and all of our staff who help me perform, as well as our great fans. I am forever grateful for their sacrifices that lift me up.”