A 2026 season that saw the Chicago White Sox lead the American League in runs scored has come to an end, and it’s time to start recognizing the outstanding achievements from several young players. Infielder Chase Meidroth was a finalist for the Gold Glove at second base, though he didn’t win the award, and next on the docket are the finalists for the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards. Thursday morning, the finalists were revealed, and four White Sox players are in the running for the honor. Who has the best chance of being announced as a winner by Fansided on November 17th?
The American League Silver Slugger finalists are here! @FanSided is the official announcer of @sluggernation's 2026 Silver Slugger Awards. Tune in on Nov. 17th for the winners. pic.twitter.com/fvH5oRbpMu
— FanSided (@FanSided) November 5, 2026
Chase Meidroth, AL Second Base
Let’s start with Meidroth, who came up short in the Gold Glove race, but has a decent chance to take home the Silver Slugger to at least receive some recognition for his excellent year. His competition for the award: Twins infielder Kody Clemens. When comparing the two, the choice is pretty clear. Meidroth exceeded Clemens in average (.276 to .239), on-base percentage (.350 to .298), OPS (.765 to .758), OPS+ (115 to 109), and bWAR (4.5 to 2.7). Clemens had the advantage in the power categories, slugging 27 home runs and 81 RBIs, while Meidroth hit 16 and drove in 63. We’ll see whether the voters prefer power or all-around hitting ability, but in my mind, Meidroth should be the favorite here. He’s certainly established himself as the second baseman of the future for the White Sox, and he deserves some recognition.
Miguel Vargas, AL Third Base
As terrific as Miguel Vargas was in 2026– he was undoubtedly the MVP of the White Sox– it’s going to be a major upset if he takes home the Silver Slugger at third base. The unlikelihood has little to do with anything Vargas lacks and more to do with who his competition is. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero led all third basemen in several categories, and was even named a finalist for AL MVP, though Yordan Alvarez of the Astros is the heavy favorite to win it. Caminero finished ahead of Vargas in average, slugging percentage, OPS, home runs, RBI, and hits. Vargas had a slight edge in OBP and walks with a significant advantage in stolen bases, but it’s hard to see the voters passing on giving Caminero the award. Still, Vargas becoming a finalist is an excellent testament to how far he’s come in his big league career, and he’s turned himself into a true franchise cornerstone in Chicago.
Tristan Peters, AL Outfield
Unlike some awards, the Silver Slugger awards aren’t given to a specific outfield position. If they were, I’d feel much better about Tristan Peters’ chances to win the award for center field. Instead, nine outfielders are nominated and three win, regardless of position. With names like Randy Arozarena, Riley Greene, and Mike Trout among the nominees, I’d be very surprised to see Peters take home a trophy, but that shouldn’t shortchange how remarkable of a season he had. From barely making the roster after being acquired for cash to making the All-Star team and finishing with a .774 OPS at a premium position, Tristan Peters defied the odds all season long. His next step toward becoming a true star in baseball is to start hitting left-handers more consistently. But an All-Star appearance and a Silver Slugger nomination is a fantastic place for him to start.
IT'S A CYCLE FOR TRISTAN PETERS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ykzbo7nbhn
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2026
Sam Antonacci, AL Utility
It was only 2022 when MLB started giving out a Silver Slugger award to a utility player in each league, with Luis Arraez of the Twins and Brandon Drury of the Padres becoming the first to take it home. In a somewhat surprising result, Sam Antonacci has been named a finalist for the award for his excellent 2026 season. Antonacci made his big league debut in April and finished the season hitting .277 with eight home runs and a .766 OPS. He set the White Sox franchise record with 29 hit-by-pitches and established himself as an excellent table-setter at the top of the lineup. With Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle, the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, also a finalist, I’d be surprised if Antonacci won the award, but earning some recognition is exciting nonetheless. It’ll be interesting to see what the White Sox plan for Antonacci is heading into 2027. He’s struggled defensively in the outfield, but improving there could be his best chance at maintaining regular at bats.
In addition to these four players, MLB also gives out a “Team” Silver Slugger award to recognize the best lineup in each league. The White Sox are a finalist, and after leading the league in runs scored, could have a chance to bring it home.
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