Kody Clemens, Twins Team Named Silver Slugger Finalists

[Cody Christie]

Kody Clemens added another accomplishment to an impressive 2026 campaign. The Minnesota Twins infielder was named a finalist for the American League Silver Slugger Award at second base on Thursday, putting him among the league's top offensive performers at his position. He wasn't the only member of the organization receiving recognition, as the Twins were also named one of four finalists for the Offensive Team of the Year award.

The winners will be announced on November 17. The Silver Slugger Awards have recognized the best offensive players at each position since 1980. Major League managers and coaches determine the winners through voting, although they cannot vote for players on their own teams. The Offensive Team of the Year category was introduced in 2023.

For Clemens, becoming a finalist represents another milestone in what has been the best offensive season of his major league career.

A Career Year in Minnesota

Clemens turned in an impressive campaign for Minnesota, leading all American League second basemen with 27 home runs. He also paced the entire AL with seven triples while posting a .758 OPS. His power production helped make him one of the more productive offensive players at his position.

The 30-year-old provided several memorable moments throughout the season, but none were bigger than his July 30 walk-off grand slam against the Kansas City Royals.

Minnesota entered the bottom of the ninth inning trailing by three runs. With two outs, Clemens stepped to the plate and delivered an ultimate grand slam, giving the Twins a dramatic victory. It was the type of moment that highlighted his importance to the lineup and gave Minnesota fans one of the season's most memorable finishes.

Clemens' journey to becoming a Silver Slugger finalist is also an interesting one. The Twins acquired him from Philadelphia in April 2025 for cash considerations. He arrived as a versatile player capable of filling multiple positions, but his offensive contributions helped him carve out a larger role in Minnesota.

Now, he finds himself competing for one of baseball's most recognizable individual offensive honors. Clemens is joined among the American League second-base finalists by Chicago White Sox infielder Chase Meidroth, who posted a .765 OPS with 16 home runs.

Twins Offense Earns Team Recognition

Clemens wasn't the only reason for celebration when the Silver Slugger finalists were announced. Minnesota was also named one of four American League finalists for the Offensive Team of the Year award.

The Astros, Rays and White Sox joined the Twins on the list. Each club brought something different to the table offensively. Houston led all of baseball with 226 home runs, while Tampa Bay posted the American League's best team batting average at .258.

Chicago led the AL in another important category, scoring 776 runs during the season. Minnesota wasn't far behind, finishing with 739 runs scored. That total tied the Twins with the New York Yankees for second in the American League. The Twins' presence among the finalists shows that their offensive production extended well beyond one player. Clemens provided power from the middle infield, but Minnesota received contributions throughout its lineup to finish near the top of the league in run production.

The team nomination also gives the Twins another opportunity to receive recognition for their 2026 performance. Minnesota will have representation in both the individual second-base category and the team award when the winners are announced. Whether Clemens takes home an individual Silver Slugger or the Twins win Offensive Team of the Year, Thursday's announcement provides another positive moment for an organization looking to build on its offensive production heading into 2027.

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[Coach]

BTW, Josh Bell had 96 RBI and scored 78 of the team's 739 runs in 2026.  In 2022 he was the Utility Silver Slugger award winner.

[MackMan]

I think this is a huge step forward for Clemens. This could potentially be used as a leverage in a trade situation if the team feels they can trade him for something. I mean, his average and OBP wasn't that great, but he does have some clutch factor and his versatility is a huge plus. Be able to play multiple positions, and have a decent bat in the lineup is something that the Twins have struggled to get out of players.