Minnesota Twins Land Two Silver Slugger Finalists

With the 2024 Major League Baseball season now completely in the rearview mirror, it’s award season. Minnesota Twins first baseman Carlos Santana already has picked up a Gold Glove but he may not be done. Utility man Willi Castro could join him in the pursuit of some hardware.

Twins Willi Castro and Carlos Santana vying for Silver Slugger awards

Major League Baseball won’t announce winners of 2024 Silver Slugger awards until November 12. The finalists, were unveiled on Monday morning however. Both Carlos Santana and Willi Castro are contenders for the Minnesota Twins.

Presenting the finalists for the 2024 American League Silver Slugger Awards.

Winners will be announced Nov. 12. pic.twitter.com/LNMHWMHbVT

— MLB (@MLB) November 4, 2024

Managers and coaches vote on the recipient of Silver Slugger awards. One is given out at each position and they are intended to highlight the best offensive player at those respective spots. The award first came to be in 1980 and the Twins have had seven previous recipients. Their last came in 2020 with Nelson Cruz grabbing the award. Kirby Puckett holds the most in franchise history with five. Joe Mauer won four of them.

Related: Minnesota Twins 1st Baseman Carlos Santana Wins Gold Glove

The Twins having a pair of players be named finalists brings some added intrigue to the unveiling. Former Twins first round pick Brent Rooker is also a finalist among designated hitters.

Can either Twins hitter win?

It’s great that both Santana and Castro have been given serious consideration. That doesn’t necessarily make either a lock as the competition is stiff. Minnesota would love to see either player end the multi-year drought for the organization. Who has the better chance though?

As you can see, Santana is certainly facing an uphill battle. He could get a boost, as one does in these award votes, because of his stellar defense. If the voting contingent stays on track and just looks at offensive production, it’s clear that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should run away with his first Silver Slugger.

Carlos Santana spoils Alek Manoah's great outing with a three-run homer in the 7th pic.twitter.com/dwS6BmTaYs

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 12, 2024

Related: Former Minnesota Twins Veteran is Hitting the Open Market

The Twins got everything they could have imagined from Willi Castro. As a Detroit Tigers castoff that signed a minor league deal prior to the 2023 season, the come-up has been huge. He was named an All-Star this season and continues to stay in the national spotlight.

Utility player production is much more difficult to analyze. It would seem that Westburg should be the winner here, but Castro could get a boost for his flexibility. No one in baseball was a greater multi-positional asset than the Twins star. Despite a great year, and even if he wins an award, Castro remains a prime trade candidate for Minnesota.

Willi Castro golfs one out to give the Twins the lead. pic.twitter.com/njoeLW2n3A

— MLB (@MLB) August 13, 2024

Related: Ranking: 10 Most Likely Minnesota Twins to be Traded This Offseason

There shouldn’t be much thought that the Twins will land a Silver Slugger at either position. A pleasant surprise would be more than welcomed, however.