It’s the MLB awards season and there will be a lot of discussion and debate surrounding the major recognitions like Most Valuable Player, Cy Young Award, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year. (For Baseball Roundtable’s take on the finalists for these honors, click here.) In this post, I’d like to look at a pair of significant recognitions that tend to garner a little less publicity – the Silver Slugger (for the season’s best offensive performers at each position) and the Gold Glove (for the season’s best defensive performers at each position). If you follow BBRT, you know that I am particularly partial to players that can flash “leather AND lumber.” So, this post will focus primarily on players who have captured what BBRT terms “MLB’s Heavy Metal Doubleheader” – winning a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in the same season. You will also find lists of the 2017 Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winners at the end of the post.
Note: The Hillerich and BradsbySilver Slugger Awards were first presented in 1980 (the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards were launched in 1957), so the list of double winners is relatively recent (at least as defined by someone who went to their first World Series game the year the Gold Glove Awards were initiated).
In 2017, four players earned both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger: Rockies’ 3B Nolan Arenado; Diamondbacks’ 1B Paul Goldschmidt; Royals’ 1B Eric Hosmer; and Marlins’ LF Marcell Ozuna. Let’s take a look at the performance of each of these well-rounded athletes – as well as players who have won a Sliver Sluggers and Gold Glove in the same season in the past.
Nolan Arenado – Third Base, Rockies
Fifth consecutive Gold Glove, third consecutive Silver Slugger, third season with both a Gold Glove and Silver slugger award.
Photo by jenniferlinneaphotography 
When it comes to flashing leather and lumber, Arenado is the real deal (and also my favorite current MLB player). This past season was the 26-year-old’s fifth in the major leagues – and he has captured the NL Gold Glove at 3B in every campaign. This season, he led all 3B in assists (311), put outs (103) and Defensive Runs Saved (20). Arenado also won the heavily statistically-based Fielding Bible Award at third base (only one award per position is presented each year) – his third such recognition – and had the highest rating among third sackers on the SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) Defensive Index.
On offense, Arenado earned his third straight Silver Slugger Award by hitting .309, with 37 home runs and 130 RBI (his third straight season of 130 or more runs plated). He also led the NL in doubles with 43. In 2015 and 2016, Arenado led the NL in both home runs and RBI.
Mike Hampton is the only pitcher ever to win a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger in the same season (Braves – 2003). Ironically, it was the only National League Gold Glove won by a pitcher other than Greg Maddux between 1990 and 2008.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B Rockies
Third Gold Glove, third Silver Slugger, third season with both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.
Photo: Arturo Pardavilla III
Goldschmidt is the heart of the Diamonbacks’ squad. Consider his 2017 Silver Slugger credentials – a .297 average, with 36 home runs, 120 RBI, 117 runs scored; and he even threw in 18 stolen bases.
The 30-year-old Goldschmidt’s quest for “metal” seems an odd one. His first full season in the major was 2012 (he got in 48 games with the D-backs in 2011). He did not win a Gold Glove or a Silver Slugger in 2012 – nor did he capture either of these awards in 2014 or 2016. However, in the odd-numbered years of 2013-2015-2017, he won them both. In seven MLB seasons, Golldschmidt has a .299 average, with 176 roundtrippers, 627 RBI and 117 stolen bases.
This past season, in the field, Goldschmidt finsiehd second in putouts among first baseman (1,254), third in assists (103) and second in Defensive Runs Saved (10). Goldschjmidt also won the 2017 Fielding Bible Award at first base – his third FBA recognition. Goldschmidt finished second to the Giants’ Brandon Belt at first base on the Society for American Baseball Research Defensive Index.
Ivan Rodriguez (C), Ken Griffey, Jr. (OF) and Barry Bonds (OF) each won the double (Silver Slugger/Gold Glove) crown in a season an MLB-record seven times.
Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
Fourth Gold Glove, first Silver Slugger, first season with both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.
Photo by Keith Allison
Hosmer played in all 162 games for the Royals in 2017 and earned his first-ever Silver Slugger with a .318 average, 25 home runs, 94 RBI and 98 runs scored. In seven MLB seasons, Hosmer’s offensive line is .284-127-566. In 2017, Hosmer also also picked up his fourth Gold Glove – which did generate some debate. On the season, Hosmer finished fourth among MLB first baseman (second in the AL) with 1235 putouts; ninth in assists (fifth in the AL) with 75, but only 17th in Defensive Runs Saved. Hosmer also finished 21st among all MLB first baseman on the Society for American Baseball Research Defensive Index.
The Chicago White Sox are the only team to never have a player capture a Silver Slugger Award and Gold Glove in the same season.
Marcell Ozuna, LF, Miami Marlins
First Gold Glove, first Silver Slugger.
Photo by hueytaxi
The 26-year-old Marlins’ outfielder had his best (of seven) MLB seasons in 2017 – hitting .312, with 37 home runs, 124 RBI and 93 runs scored. In 2017, in fact, Ozuna reached career highs in games, at bats, hits, runs, doubles, home rus and RBI – in the process making his second consecutive All Star squad. In the field, Ozuna lead NL left fielders in putouts (305, second in MLB); was second in the NL in LF assists (third among all MLB left fielders) with 10; and led NL LF in Defensive Runs Saved (second overall) with 11. Ozuna led al NL leftfielders in the Society for American Baseball Research Defensive Index and finished fouth overall among MLB leftfielders.
So, there are your 2017 “Heavy Metal Doubleheader” winners. Now, here’s an update on those who have won both awards in the same season in the past. Since 1980, the combination of a Gold Glove/Silver Slugger has been achieved in a season 182 times by 100 different players. You’ll find a complete list of the players who have earned recognition as the offensive and defensive leader in their respective leagues in the same season later in this post. (I’m also including lists of 2017’s individual Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winners). Since the Silver Slugger is awarded to three outfielders annually regardless of their position (LF, CF, RF), GG/SS combo lists in this post do not break outfielders out by position. First, a few bits of trivia:
- The fewest GG/SS combo winners in a single season (since 1980) is one – Dodgers’ 1B Adrian Gonzalez in 2014.
- The most players to achieve the GG/SS combo in a season is nine – back in 1984: Lance Parrish, C, Tigers; Keith Hernandez, 1B, Mets; Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles; Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers; Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies; Buddy Bell, 3B, Rangers; Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees; Dale Murphy, OF, Braves.
- Ivan Rodriguez (C) won the SS/GG combo for his position a record six consecutive seasons (1995-1999).
- Roberto Alomar (2B) is the only player to win the single-season Gold Glove/Silver Slugger combo with three different teams (Blue Jays-1992; Orioles-1996; Indians-1999, 2000)
- Scott Rolen (3B) is the only player to win the SS/GG combo in a season in which he played for two different teams (2002, Phillies/Cardinals). Rolen was traded from the Phillies to the Cardinals on July 29. He played 100 games for the Phillies and 55 for the Cardinals in what would be his only SS/GG combo season.
- Adrian Gonzalez (1B) and Matt Williams (3B) are the only players to capture a SS/GG single-season combination in both the AL and NL. Gonzalez – Dodgers-2014; Red Sox-2011. Williams – Indians-1997; Giants-1993-1994.
- The only team to have three SS/GG winners in the same season is the 1993 Giants (Robby Thompson (2B), Matt Williams (3B), Barry Bonds (OF).
- Outfielders have achieved the SS/GG combo most often (67 times), but if you factor in the potential to outfielders to achieve three combos each season, second baseman have been most successful, putting up 28 SS/GG seasons.
- The top team in terms of SS/GG seasons is the Yankees (13); the NL leader is the Rockies (10).
______________________________________
Full List of Same Year Gold Glove/Silver Slugger Winners by Season
2017
Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
Marcell Ozuna, OF, Marlines
2016
Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
Mookie Betts, Of, Red Sox
Salvador Perez, C, Royals
Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs
2015
Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins
Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
Brandon Crawford, SS, Giants.
2014
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Dodgers
2013
Yadier Molina, C, Cardinals
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles
Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
2012
Adam LaRoche, 1B, Nationals
Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
Chase Headley, 3B, Padres
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
2011
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox
Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
Jacob Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
2010
Joe Mauer, C, Twins
Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
Carl Crawford, OF, Rays
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
2009
Joe Mauer, C, Twins
Mark Tiexiera, 1B, Yankees
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
Torii Hunter, OF, Angels
2008
Joe Mauer, C, Twins
Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
David Wright, 3B, Mets
Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians
2007
Russell Martin, C, Dodgers
Placido Polanco, 2B, Tigers
David Wright, 3B, Mets
Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
2006
Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets
2005
Jason Veritek, C, Red Sox
Mark Tiexierea, 1B, Rangers
Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs
Andruw Jones, OF, Braves
2004
Ivan Rodriguez, C, Tigers
Jim Edmonds, OF, Cardinals
2003
Brett Boone, 2B, Mariners
Edgar Renteria, SS, Cardinals
Alex Rodriguez, SS, Rangers
Mike Hampton, P, Braves
2002
Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies
Scott Rolen, 3B, Cardinals/Phillies
Eric Chavez, 3B, A’s
Edgar Renteria, SS, Cardinals
Alex Rodriguez, SS, Rangers
2001
Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies
Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
2000
Roberto Alomar, 2B, Indians
Darin Erstad, OF, Angels
1999
Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers
Robert Alomar, 2B, Indians
Larry Walker, OF, Rockies
Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners
Shawn Green, OF, Blue Jays
1998
Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers
Rafael Palmeiro, 1B, Rangers
Ken Griffey, Jr. OF, Mariners
1997
Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers
Craig Biggio, 2B, Astros
Chuck Knoblauch, 2B, Twins
Matt Williams, 3B, Indians
Larry Walker, OF, Rockies
Barry Bonds, OF, Giants
Ken Griffey, Jr, OF, Mariners
1996
Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers
Roberto Alomar, 2B, Orioles
Ken Caminiti, 3B, Padres
Barry Larkin, SS, Reds
Barry Bonds, OF, Giants
Ken Griffey, Jr. OF, Mariners
1995
Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers
Craig, Biggio, 2B, Astros
Barry Larkin, SS, Reds
1994
Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers
Jeff Bagwell, 1B, Astros
Craig Biggio, 2B, Astros
Matt Williams, 3B, Giants
Wade Boggs, 3B, Yankees
Barry Bonds, OF, Giants
Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners
1993
Robby Thompson, 2B, Giants
Matt Williams, 3B, Giants
Jay Bell, SS, Pirates
Barry Bonds, OF, Giants
Ken Griffey, Jr, OF, Mariners
1992
Roberto Alomar, 2B, Blue Jays
Larry Walker, OF, Expos
Andy Van Slyke, OF, Pirates
Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates
Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins
1991
Will Clark, 1B, Giants
Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs
Cal Ripken, Jr., SS, Orioles
Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates
Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners
1990
Benito Santiago, C, Padres
Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs
Kelly Gruber, 3B, Blue Jays
Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates
Ellis Burks, OF, Red Sox
1989
Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs
Eric Davis, OF, Reds
Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins
Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres
1988
Benito Santiago, C, Padres
Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs
Andy Van Slyke, OF, Pirates\
Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins
1987
Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees
Ozzie Smith, SS, Cardinals
Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres
Eric Davis, OF, Reds
Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins
Andre Dawson, OF, Cubs
1986
Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees
Frank White, 2B, Royals
Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies
Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres
Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins
1985
Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees
Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs
Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers
Tim Wallach, 3B, Expos
George Brett, 3B, Royals
Willie McGee, OF, Cardinals
Dale Murphy, OF, Braves
Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees
1984
Lance Parrish, C, Tigers
Keith Hernandez, 1B, Mets
Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles
Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs
Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers
Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies
Buddy Bell, 3B, Rangers
Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees
Dale Murphy, OF, Braves
1983
Lance Parrish, C, Tigers
Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles
Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers
Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies
Dale Murphy, OF, Braves
Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees
Andre Dawson, OF, Expos\
1982
Gary Carter, C, Expos
Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies
Robin Yount, SS, Brewers
Dale Murphy, OF, Braves
Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees
1981
Gary Carter, C, Expos
Manny Trillo, 2B, Phillies
Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies
Andre Dawson, OF, Expos
Rickey Henderson, OF, A’s
Dwight Evans, OF, Red Sox
Dusty Baker, OF, Dodgers
1980
Keith Hernandez, 1B, Cardinals
Cecil Cooper, 1B, Brewers
Andre Dawson, OF, Expos
Willie Wilson, OF, Royals
____________________________________
Your Same-Season, Gold Glove/Silver Slugger combo winners listed alphabetically:
Alomar, Roberto … 1992; 1996; 1999; 2000
Altuve, Jose … 2015
Arenado, Nolan … 2015; 2016; 2017
Baker, Dusty … 1981
Bagwell, Jeff … 1994
Bell, Buddy … 1984
Bell, Jay (SS) … 1993
Beltre, Adrian (3B) … 2011
Beltran, Carlos (OF) … 2006; 2007
Biggio, Craig (2B) … 1994; 1995; 1997
Mookie Betts (OF) … 2016
Boggs, Wade (3B) … 1994
Bonds, Barry … 1990; 1991; 1992; 1993; 1994; 1996; 1997
Boone, Brett … 2003
Brett, George … 1985
Burks, Ellis … 1990
Caminiti, Ken … 1996
Cano, Robinson … 2010; 2012
Carter, Gary … 1981; 1982
Chavez, Eric … 2002
Clark, Will … 1991
Cooper, Cecil …1980
Crawford, Brandon … 2015
Crawford, Carl … 2010
Dawson, Andre … 1980; 1981; 1983; 1987
Davis, Eric … 1987; 1989
Edmonds, Jim … 2004
Ellsbury, Jacob … 2011
Erstad, Darin … 2000
Evans, Dwight … 1981
Goldschmidt, Paul … 2013; 2015; 2017
Gonzalez, Adrian … 2011; 2014
Gonzalez, Carlos … 2010
Gordon, Dee … 2015
Green, Shawn … 1999
Griffey, Ken Jr. … 1991; 1993; 1994; 1996; 1997; 1998; 1999
Gruber, Kelly … 1990
Gwynn, Tony … 1986; 1987; 1989
Hampton, Mike … 2003
Hardy, J.J. … 2013
Headley, Chase … 2012
Helton, Todd … 2002
Henderson, Rickey … 1981
Hernandez, Keith … 1980; 1984
Eric Hosmer … 2017
Hunter, Torii … 2009
Jeter, Derek … 2006; 2009
Jones, Adam … 2013
Jones, Andruw … 2005
Kemp, Matt … 2009; 2011
Knoblauch, Chuck … 1997
Larkin, Barry … 1995; 1996
LaRoche, Adam … 2012
Lee, Derrek … 2005
Martin, Russell … 2008
Mattingly, Don … 1985; 1986; 1987
Mauer, Joe … 2008; 2009; 2010
McCutchen, Andrew … 2012
McGee, Willie … 1985
Molina, Yadier … 2013
Murphy, Dale … 1982; 1083; 1984; 1985
Murray, Eddie … 1983; 1984
Marcell Ozuna … 2017
Palanco, Placido … 2007
Palmeiro, Rafael … 1998
Parrish, Lance … 1983; 1984
Pedroia, Dustin … 2008
Salvador, Perez … 2016
Phillips, Brandon … 2011
Puckett, Kirby … 1986; 1987; 1988; 1989; 1992
Pujols, Albert … 2010
Renteria, Edgar … 2002
Ripken, Cal, Jr. … 1991
Anthony Rizzo … 2016
Rodriguez, Alex … 2002; 2003
Rodriguez, Ivan … 1994; 1995; 1996; 1997; 1998; 1999; 2004
Rolen, Scott … 2002
Rollins, Jimmy … 2007
Sandberg, Ryne … 1984; 1985; 1988; 1989; 1990; 1991
Santiago, Benito … 1988; 1990
Schmidt, Mike … 1981; 1982; 1983; 1984; 1986
Sizemore, Grady … 2008
Smith, Ozzie … 1987
Suzuki, Ichiro … 2001; 2007; 2009
Thompson, Robby … 1993
Tiexiera, Mark … 2005, 2009
Trillo, Manny … 1981
Tulowitzki, Troy … 2010; 2011
Van Slyke, Andy … 1988; 1992
Varitek, Jason … 2005
Walker, Larry … 1992; 1997; 1999
Wallach, Tim … 1985
White, Frank … 1986
Whitaker, Lou … 1983; 1984; 1985
Williams, Matt … 1993; 1994; 1997
Wilson, Willie … 1980
Winfield, Dave … 1982; 1983; 1984; 1985
Wright, David … 2007; 2008
Yount, Robin … 1982
Ryan Zimmerman … 2009
_____________________________________________
2017 Silver Slugger Award Winners
Catcher: Gary Sanchez, Yankees/Buster Posey, Giants
First Base: Eric Hosmer, Royals/Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks
Second Base: Jose Altuve, Astros/Daniel Murphy, Nationals
Third Base: Jose Ramirez, Indians/Nolan Arenado, Rockies
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, Indians/Corey Seager Dodgers
Outfield:
Aaron Judge, Yankees/George Springer, Astrocs/Justin Upton/Angels
Charlie Blackmon, Rockies/Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins, Marcell Ozuna,Marlins
Pitcher: Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
DH: Nelson Cruz, Mariners
_______________________________________________________________
2017 Gold Glove Winners
Catcher: Martin Maldonado, Angels/Tucker Barnhart. Reds
1B: Eric Hosmer, Royals/Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks
2B: Brian Dozier, Twins/DJ LeMahieu, Rockies
3B: Evan Longoria, Rays/Nolan Arenado, Rockies
SS: Andrelton Simmons, Angels/Brandon Crawford, Giants
LF: Alex Grodon, Royals/Marcell Ozuna, Marlins
CF: Byron Buxton, Twins/Ender Inciarte, Braves
RF: Mookie Betts, Red Sox/Jason Heyward, Cubs
Pitcher: Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays/Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks
Primary Resources: Baeball-Reference.com; FanGraphs; Society for American Baseball Research
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT
Follow/Like Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook page, here. More baseball commentary, blog post notificaiton, PRIZES.
Member: Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
ball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers
