In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, the 2024 season showcased a medley of remarkable talents and an array of career-defining performances. From record-setting achievements to inspiring comebacks, this year has been nothing short of exhilarating for players and fans alike.
Power Surge Highlights
Among the headliners, Juan Soto's consistent display of power hitting has left an indelible mark as he hammered out at least 35 home runs in back-to-back seasons. As Soto approaches free agency, his market value is likely to see significant interest from teams eager to bolster their lineups with his prodigious power.
Not to be outdone, Pete Alonso cemented his status as a premier slugger, having hit over 30 home runs in every full season thus far. Meanwhile, Anthony Santander entered the history books as the first switch-hitter since 2006 to achieve 40 or more home runs in a single season, a feat underscoring his versatility and strength at the plate.
Sustained Excellence and Career Milestones
Pitching narratives took center stage with Corbin Burnes compiling an impressive streak of four consecutive All-Star seasons. Blake Snell, showcasing his dominant skills, reiterated his status as a top-tier pitcher by claiming the Cy Young Award twice, reaffirming his place among baseball's elite.
Max Fried demonstrated superb consistency with the best ERA+ among left-handed pitchers who've pitched a minimum of 200 innings since 2020, a testament to his strategic prowess and skillful execution.
Notably, in 2022, Roki Sasaki etched his name into legend with a remarkable 19-strikeout perfect game—a performance for the ages that reverberates through baseball lore.
Overcoming Adversity
In a season filled with stories of resilience, Blake Treinen rose above previous injuries to surpass his 2021 form, an achievement that speaks volumes of his determination and skill.
Jack Flaherty embarked on a transformative journey by adjusting his fastball axis and pitch mix, a tactical shift that has significantly enhanced his on-field performance. Similarly, Sean Manaea, inspired by the unique delivery of Chris Sale, modified his own pitching mechanics, yielding positive results that are evident in his stats.
Luis Severino made headlines with a revitalized performance after a successful adjustment of his pitch arsenal, a move that marked his resurgence in the league. Yusei Kikuchi’s performance after being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline was nothing short of stellar, as he posted a 147 ERA+ reflecting his contribution to the team’s success.
Emerging and Established Stars
This season also saw players like Alex Bregman, who compiled the sixth-most Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base since 2020, showcasing his enduring value to his team. Christian Walker continued his dominant run at first base, fortifying his reputation as a formidable player in the infield.
Jurickson Profar reached new heights with his first star-caliber season at the age of 31, illustrating that excellence can be achieved regardless of the stage of a player's career. Meanwhile, Max Scherzer faced a challenging season, being restricted to just nine starts, adding a layer of complexity to his storied career.
Promising Comebacks
Jeff Hoffman delivered with a remarkable 184 ERA+ over two seasons with the Phillies, a commendable comeback narrative that has injected further depth into their pitching rotation. Nick Martinez, after his return from Japan, impressed with a consistent 126 ERA+, demonstrating that international experience has only fortified his skills.
Kirby Yates battled past setbacks to complete 60 innings in consecutive seasons, defying expectations and reaffirming his resilience. Charlie Morton, with over 30 appearances in each of the past four years, has demonstrated durability and consistency, vital attributes for any team’s pitching staff.
Throughout these narratives, the throughline of perseverance, adaptability, and excellence has been evident. As these athletes continue to impact the sport with their outstanding performances and comeback stories, they contribute to the thrilling tapestry that defines Major League Baseball. As the offseason looms, anticipation builds around the future paths these players will take and the new heights they will ascend in the coming year.