3 forgotten Silver Slugger winners in Cincinnati Reds history

The Cincinnati Reds have a long and storied history — one that's filled with numerous big-time sluggers. Names like Ted Kluszewski, Frank Robinson, and Eugenio Suárez all spent significant time in a Reds uniform.

When it comes to the Silver Slugger Award presented by Louisville Slugger — an honor that recognizes the best offensive player at his position — the Reds have had several winners since the award was introduced in 1980.

While it's not surprising that players like Barry Larkin, Dave Parker, and Eric Davis have won the Silver Slugger Award multiple times, there are a handful of players who've earned the distinction, but have probably been forgotten. Who are they?

3 forgotten Silver Slugger winners in Cincinnati Reds history

Nick Castellanos, 2021

Nick Castellanos spent two seasons in Cincinnati after signing a four-year, $64 million contract prior to the 2020 season. The slugger's first season in the Queen City was marred by lack of production and, of course, the pandemic-shortened 60-game schedule.

The following year, however, Castellanos more than made up for his subpar season. He surpassed Joey Votto for the team lead in RBI with 100 while also mashing 34 homers. Castellanos went to his first-ever All-Star Game, and his .939 OPS in 2021 is still the highest of his career.

Felipe Lopez, 2005

Felipe Lopez made the most of his 2005 season with the Reds. In what would easily be Lopez's best season in the major leagues, the 25-year-old shortstop went to his first and only All-Star Game while hitting .291/.352/.486 with 23 home runs and 85 RBI.

That season, Lopez had more homers than Austin Kearns, more RBI than Sean Casey, more doubles than Ken Griffey Jr., and the highest bWAR on team that included those three players along with Reds Hall of Famer Adam Dunn.

Dave Concepcion, 1981 & 1982

Reds Hall of Famer Dave Concepcion was always known more for his glove than his bat. The slick-fielding shortstop, however, took home the Silver Slugger on two separate occasions during the early-1980s.

Concepcion had arguably the best season of his career in 1981. The Reds infielder hit .306/.358/.409 that year with five home runs and 67 RBI while finishing fourth in the MVP voting that season. He followed up that performance in 1982 by posting a .287/.337/.371 slash line while adding another five homers and 53 RBI en route to his second career Silver Slugger Award.

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