Neto, Trout Named Silver Slugger Finalists
Angels shortstop Zach Neto and outfielder Mike Trout are among this year's finalists for the honor, announced by MLB.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Baseball
Zach Neto is one of three finalists at shortstop, and Mike Trout is one of nine finalists in the outfield for the Silver Slugger Awards. Managers and coaches vote for the awards, and they cannot vote for players on their own teams.
Why it matters
Being named a finalist recognizes top offensive performance at each position across the American League. For Anaheim, it highlights two Angels players in the running for one of baseball's most prominent offensive honors.
Trout's .382 on-base percentage led all AL outfielders in 2026, and he drew 107 walks, his most since 2019. Neto stole 24 bases and McGonigle stole 12, while Bobby Witt Jr. stole 45 for second in the AL.
The players
Mike Trout
Trout is a longtime Angels outfielder and three-time AL MVP who remains one of the most decorated players of his generation.
Zach Neto
Neto is an Angels shortstop who has emerged as a power and speed contributor in the Angels' infield.
Bobby Witt Jr.
Witt is a Kansas City Royals shortstop and two-time defending Silver Slugger winner at the position.
The details
Neto is one of three shortstop finalists, while Trout is among nine outfield finalists. Witt, who won the last two Silver Slugger Awards at shortstop, is a finalist again alongside Kevin McGonigle, who also qualified at utility after playing third base in 94 games for Detroit.
Timeline
2026 — Season statistics used as the basis for finalist selections.
Thursday, November 5, 2026 — Neto and Trout announced as Silver Slugger finalists.
Season Trajectory
Witt's back-to-back Silver Slugger Awards at shortstop set a high bar, and his return as a finalist alongside Kevin McGonigle signals that the position's top offensive tier remains contested. Trout's inclusion as one of nine outfield finalists underscores that his 2026 season kept him among the American League's best hitters.
Fantasy managers weighing shortstop and outfield options can note that Neto's 24 stolen bases and Trout's 107 walks reflect different strengths. The finalist list does not change any roster or contract status for the players named.
The takeaway
Silver Slugger finalist lists reflect a full season of production, so a player's on-base skills and power can matter as much as batting average. Readers tracking the award can compare finalists across several categories rather than focusing on a single stat.
Further reading
Explore more in Baseball coverage for context on the season's top hitters.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
