CHICAGO - Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Báez tonight won his first-career National League Silver Slugger Award. Báez is one of only two second basemen in franchise history to win this award, joining seven-time winner Ryne Sandberg (1984-85, 1988-92).
Overall, Báez has earned the first Silver Slugger Award by a Cub since both first baseman Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Jake Arrieta won in 2016. Báez is now one of only 11 players in franchise history to win a Silver Slugger.
Báez is also just the fifth infielder in franchise history to win a Silver Slugger Award, joining Rizzo (2016), third baseman Aramis Ramirez (2011), first baseman Derrek Lee (2005) and Sandberg.
In 2018, Báez batted .290 (176-for-606) with 101 runs scored, 40 doubles, nine triples, 34 home runs and an N.L.-leading 111 RBI, setting career highs in all six categories. He also turned in a .326 on-base percentage, a .554 slugging percentage and an .881 OPS, all career bests as well. Báez became the first player in major league history to reach 40 doubles, nine triples, 34 homers, 111 RBI and 21 stolen bases within a single season.