On the heels of Dallas Keuchel's gold glove, another Astros player added some hardware to his trophy cabinet today. Jose Altuve was named top offensive second baseman in the American League and winner of a American League Silver Slugger award. This breaks Robinson Cano's four-year streak of Silver Slugger Award at the position. Altuve and Cano were the front runner for this year's away, Altuve finished with a batting average (.341) that was 27 points higher than Cano's and his slugging percentage was only one percent lower (.453) than the heavy hitting Mariner.
This award caps off Altuve's magical season, as Houston's spark plug also took home the American League batting title - batting .341. He was the first Astros to win a batting crown. Altuve lead the league in hits (225), and set a new club record for hits in a season along the way.
Jose Altuve is the tenth Astros player to win a Silver Slugger Award. He joins: outfielder Carlos Lee (2007), third baseman Morgan Ensberg (2005), left-handed pitcher Mike Hampton (1999), outfielder Moises Alou (1998), first baseman Jeff Bagwell (1994, 1997, 1999), second baseman Craig Biggio (1989-as a catcher, 1994-95, 1997-98), first baseman Glenn Davis (1986), outfielder Jose Cruz (1983-84) and shortstop Dickie Thon (1983).