The Silver Slugger is one of the top offensive honors any MLB player can receive. It requires an incredible offensive performance, and the Atlanta Braves have plenty of recipients. Given how good the Braves' offense has been in recent years (most of the time, anyways), it just makes sense that they would have hitters among the league's best even though it is highly likely that the Braves' influence over this year's Silver Slugger winners exclusively announced by FanSided.
There are a plethora of Braves who are known for winning this award during their career. However, there have been a few players who weren't as well-known for their accolades that managed to get this prestigious award.
Here are 4 Atlanta Braves players fans may have forgotten winning a Silver Slugger
Ron Gant (1992)
Gant spent seven years with Atlanta and won his only Silver Slugger in 1992. He batted .259 that season with 141 hits, including six triples, 17 home runs, 22 doubles, and 80 RBI. He also stole 32 bases that season. Gant played for 16 seasons, earned MVP votes in multiple seasons, and appeared in two All-Star Games.
Jeff Blauser (1997)
Blauser earned his only All-Star selection in 1993, but it wasn't until 1997 that he took home a Silver Slugger. It was the only time in his career after he batted .308/.405/.482 with 160 hits. This included four triples, 17 homers, 31 doubles, 70 RBI, and an .886 OPS. He signed with the Cubs and spent the final two years of his career there.
Johnny Estrada (2004)
Estrada only played in the big leagues for eight years, so there wasn't a lot of opportunity to win hardware. He took home one Silver Slugger in his career, and it was with the Braves in 2004. Estrada batted .314/.378/.450 with 145 hits, including nine home runs, 36 doubles, and 76 RBI. This was also good enough for an .828 OPS with 39 walks and 66 strikeouts. This ended up being the best season of Estrada's career.
Nick Markakis (2018)
Markakis wasn't known for being the most powerful hitter, but he was a great clubhouse leader. Coming to Atlanta during a rebuild only helped solidify that fact. The only Silver Slugger of his career came in 2018. Fans will remember he hit a three-run walk-off homer on Opening Day that season. Markakis was fantastic at the plate with a .297/.366/.440 with 185 hits, including 14 homers, 43 doubles, and 93 RBI.