Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte took home his first career Silver Slugger Award on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in his career and adding to a remarkable 2024 season. Marte’s win makes him the first Arizona position player to capture the award since Paul Goldschmidt and David Peralta in 2018, and only the ninth hitter in Diamondbacks history to receive this prestigious honor.
A Breakout Year for Marte at the Plate
In a season that saw Marte recognized as one of the National League’s premier offensive players, he compiled impressive stats across the board. He hit 36 home runs and drove in 95 runs, both career highs. His .292 batting average, .932 OPS, and 147 hits underscored his consistency and impact throughout the season. Leading all MLB second basemen in OPS, Marte also posted a 155 OPS+ (55% above league average), proving instrumental to the Diamondbacks’ success.
Marte’s power and precision at the plate propelled Arizona’s offense and contributed to a season worth 6.3 fWAR and 6.8 bWAR, making him one of the most valuable players in the National League. His outstanding performance led to his second All-Star selection, where he earned the leadoff spot for the National League.
Dominance Among National League Second Basemen
Up against tough competition, Marte’s numbers set him apart as the best offensive second baseman in the National League. His .560 slugging percentage and 14.0 at-bats-per-home-run rate ranked him second in the NL overall, while his 282 total bases placed him eighth across the league. Only Houston Astros second baseman José Altuve came close to Marte’s OPS among qualified players, though Marte’s performance still set the standard for power and production at his position.
Recognition from Coaches and Managers
The Silver Slugger Awards are determined by MLB managers and coaches, who vote for the best offensive player at each position in their respective leagues. Marte’s season left little question among voters, as his numbers placed him well above other candidates, including Jonathan India of the Reds and Luis García Jr. of the Nationals.
Marte’s recognition as one of the three finalists for the National League MVP award further underscores his contributions to Arizona’s success. His MVP-caliber season came with career-best defense, adding to his value as one of the most well-rounded players in the league. Although MVP favorites such as Shohei Ohtani may take the award, Marte’s Silver Slugger win is a worthy acknowledgment of his breakout season.
Adding to Arizona’s Storied History of Silver Sluggers
Marte joins an elite group of Diamondbacks players who have previously won the Silver Slugger Award, including legends like Paul Goldschmidt, David Peralta, and Aaron Hill. He is the first D-backs second baseman to win since Hill in 2012, highlighting his place among Arizona’s all-time greats. With his Silver Slugger win, Marte helps restore Arizona’s presence among the league’s top hitters, a presence that has been on the rise again in recent years.
What’s Next for Marte and the Diamondbacks
With the Silver Slugger in hand, Marte is set to build on his 2024 performance. As a key part of a young, dynamic Diamondbacks lineup, he brings a mix of power, consistency, and defensive reliability that has made Arizona a competitive force in the National League. Marte’s leadership and skill will continue to make him a central figure in the Diamondbacks’ lineup as they strive for postseason success.
Ketel Marte’s first Silver Slugger win in 2024 is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and growth as a player. With a season that showcased his best performance yet, Marte has firmly established himself among the league’s elite hitters and one of the most impactful second basemen in the game today.
