Mark Vientos is not a finalist at third base.
Franciso Lindor and Pete Alonso have each been named as one of three finalists for the NL Silver Slugger award at shortstop and first base respectively. Lindor has previously won three silver sluggers – two with the Guardians, and one with the Mets in 2023 – while Alonso has never won.
Lindor’s nomination is no surprise, and he should probably be a shoe in to win the award. Excluding Mookie Betts, who played only part of the season at shortstop and missed a large chunk of the season to boot, Lindor was far and away the best offensive shortstop in the National League. His 137 wRC+ is 13 points better than the next best player (Trea Turner) and almost 20 points better than his two fellow finalists (Willy Adames, Elly De La Cruz).
Alonso’s case, meanwhile, is less clear cut. Both Bryce Harper and Freddie Freeman, the other two finalists at first base, had demonstrably better seasons. Meanwhile, several other players have at least equivalent and arguably better cases to be named finalists. Christian Walker in particular seems like a snub, particularly after he was also snubbed for the All Star Game earlier this year. Regardless, this is not hugely consequential since it seems likely one of Harper or Freeman will take home the final award.
Elsewhere on the diamond, it’s notable that Mark Vientos was not nominated as a finalist. While he only had 454 PA, Vientos was a far superior hitter to all three of Manny Machado, Matt Chapman, and especially Alec Bohm. Hopefully Vientos can duplicate his breakout 2024 and get a better shot at recognition next year with a full season of playing time.