Daniel Murphy wins Silver Slugger

Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy was honored as the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winner for National League second basemen on Thursday night, the second consecutive season in which Murphy has earned this prestigious award. Louisville Slugger made the announcement on MLB Network.

Murphy, who won the first Silver Slugger Award of his career in 2016, is the third player in Nationals history (2005-present) to win the award multiple times - joining former shortstop Ian Desmond (2012-14) and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who won the award as a third baseman in 2009 and 2010. Murphy's designation makes this the sixth consecutive season the Nationals have had at least one winner of the esteemed offensive award and he is now the owner of the 13th Silver Slugger Award doled out to a member of the Nationals organization (2005-present).

"We are thrilled to see Daniel honored again for the outstanding and consistent production he brings to our club day-in and day-out," said Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo. "The Nationals organization is proud to have established quite a tradition of Silver Slugger Award winners, and we are excited to see Daniel honored appropriately once again."

Murphy followed up his MVP-caliber first season in the District with another stellar offensive output in 2017. The Nationals' second baseman led or ranked near the top of the NL in a number of offensive categories this season including: doubles (T1st, 43), batting average (2nd, .322), hits (8th, 172), and multi-hit games (9th, 49). Murphy was the best hitter in Major League Baseball with runners in scoring position, batting .409 (47-for-115) with nine doubles, two triples, five home runs, 67 RBI and 24 walks in those situations.

An All-Star for the second consecutive season - this year getting the start at second base for the NL squad - Murphy led all NL second basemen in doubles (43), batting average (.322), on-base percentage (.384), and slugging percentage (.543). Murphy also led all NL hitters (T1st in MLB) with four games where he collected at least five RBI.

"I am honored and humbled to receive this award," Murphy said. "I am extremely proud to be considered among this group of talented players. To be recognized by opposing coaches and managers for the way I play the game is quite a compliment and I'd like to thank my teammates, coaches, medical staff, and support staff for their assistance in helping me achieve this award. I would also be remiss if I did not thank my family for their immense support: my wife, Tori, and our three beautiful children, Noah, Quinn, and Drew. They are what drives me each and every day."

The Nationals are the only team in the NL with a player earning a Silver Slugger Award in each of the past six seasons. Joining them with an active streak in the American League are the Los Angeles Angels (2012-2016).

NATIONALS TO WIN LOUISVILLE SLUGGER SILVER SLUGGER AWARDS (2005-2017)

2006: OF Alfonso Soriano
2009: 3B Ryan Zimmerman
2010: 3B Ryan Zimmerman
2012: SS Ian Desmond, 1B Adam LaRoche, P Stephen Strasburg
2013: SS Ian Desmond
2014: SS Ian Desmond, 3B Anthony Rendon
2015: OF Bryce Harper
2016: 2B Daniel Murphy, C Wilson Ramos
2017: 2B Daniel Murphy