The Major League Baseball (MLB) 2023 Silver Slugger Awards feature various international baseball stars, who have represented their national teams and played in various WBSC Baseball World Cups.
Among the National League's best hitters in each position, we find Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, who helped the United States to second place in the World Baseball Classic 2023. Atlanta Braves' first baseman, Matt Olson, who hit 54 home runs, represented the US at the U-16 level while New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor played for the US U-18 National Team. Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper (the best designated hitter) played at the U-16 and U-18 levels.
The American League Silver Sluggers list includes some of the biggest international stars.
Two-way Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani, the 2023 World Baseball Classic MVP and a WBSC Premier12 hero, was awarded the best designated hitter. Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez helped the Dominican Republic win a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games bronze medal. Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert helped Cuba to silver in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup 2012 and bronze in the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2013. Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker was on the US 2023 World Baseball Classic team. Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager represented the US at the U-16 level and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman played for USA Baseball at the collegiate level.
