In the fiercely competitive world of Major League Baseball, performance and stats often tell the tale of resilience, adaptation, and sheer talent. This year, several players have stood out, each crafting their narratives through remarkable achievements and compelling comebacks.
Power at the Plate
Juan Soto, with his consistent powerhouse performance, has ignited conversations as he prepares to enter free agency. Maintaining a streak of 35 or more home runs in consecutive seasons, Soto's potential move is a hot topic among teams looking to bolster their lineup. Meanwhile, Pete Alonso continues to cement his reputation, having hit over 30 home runs in every full season of his career.
Anthony Santander achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first switch-hitter since 2006 to launch 40 or more home runs in a single season. Such accomplishments not only underline the evolving role of switch-hitters in the league but also showcase Santander's exceptional adaptability and skill.
Teoscar Hernández's recent seasons have also caught attention, with four standout performances over the past five years, highlighting his consistent contribution to his team's offensive strength.
Prowess on the Mound
Corbin Burnes continues to exemplify excellence with his All-Star appearances for four consecutive seasons. Notably, Blake Snell adds to his laurels as a two-time Cy Young Award winner, reaffirming his status as a premier pitcher.
Max Fried has distinguished himself with the best ERA+ among left-handed pitchers with a minimum of 200 innings pitched since 2020, a testament to his command and effectiveness on the mound. Meanwhile, Sean Manaea, inspired by Chris Sale, has revised his delivery to significant effect, leading to improved performances.
Further highlighting the art of adaptation, Jack Flaherty has adjusted his fastball axis and pitch mix with notable outcomes, while Blake Treinen has surpassed his 2021 form despite previous injuries, demonstrating impressive resilience.
International Influence
The impact of international players continues to be felt deeply in MLB. Roki Sasaki's 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022 is a performance that will be remembered by fans and players alike, showcasing the high levels of talent being imported into the league.
Challenges and Comebacks
Not all stories are about peak performance; they also include overcoming setbacks. Max Scherzer was limited to just nine starts this season due to unforeseen circumstances. Shane Bieber is in a rehabilitation phase, slated for recovery from Tommy John surgery until mid-2025. Similarly, Ha-Seong Kim is expected to miss significant time following shoulder surgery, likely sidelining him into the next season.
In contrast, Luis Severino has made a significant comeback, adjusting his pitch arsenal to enjoy a rebound season. Highlighting successful trades, Yusei Kikuchi posted an impressive 147 ERA+ after being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline. Carlos Estévez also achieved a career-best 171 ERA+ in 2024, underscoring the rewards of strategic player acquisitions.
Consistency and Longevity
Players like Alex Bregman, who compiled the sixth-most Wins Above Replacement at third base since 2020, continue to demonstrate their value. Meanwhile, Christian Walker's performance at first base remains dominant, highlighting his critical role in his team's lineup.
Veterans like Charlie Morton and Kirby Yates defy the odds, with Morton making over 30 appearances each of the past four years and Yates throwing 60 innings in consecutive seasons despite past injuries. Their longevity speaks to endurance and adaptation in the ever-evolving MLB landscape.
Impactful Contributions
Even players not in the spotlight are making significant contributions. Joc Pederson posted a career-best 151 OPS+, while Donovan Solano continues to add value against left-handed pitchers. Justin Turner has maintained an above-average offensive pace despite advancing age, proving his mettle as an experienced leader on the field.
Jurickson Profar exemplified a late-career resurgence, achieving his first star-caliber season at age 31. Meanwhile, Nick Martinez has accumulated a notable 126 ERA+ since his return from Japan, and Jeff Hoffman boasts a 184 ERA+ over two seasons with the Phillies, making substantial impacts from the bullpen.
In the critical moments just beyond the regular season, Walker Buehler closed out the World Series, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure despite a lackluster regular season.
These stories of achievement, comeback, and perseverance breathe life into the MLB, reminding fans and players alike of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the league year after year.