In the ever-unpredictable world of Major League Baseball, the 2024 season delivered its fair share of intriguing narratives, standout performances, and notable comebacks. As we turn the page on another chapter in baseball history, several players have etched their names into the annals of the sport with their remarkable feats.
Slugging Sensations
The power hitters of the league have continued to provide fireworks, with Juan Soto standing tall among them. Soto, who is set to enter free agency, has consistently demonstrated his offensive prowess, slugging his way to at least 35 home runs in consecutive seasons. Alongside him, Pete Alonso shone brightly, maintaining a career trend with over 30 home runs in every full season he's played.
In a unique display of power, Anthony Santander became the first switch-hitter since 2006 to smash 40 or more home runs in a season. Such achievements highlight the continued evolution of power hitting across the league, with each player bringing their own distinct flair to the plate.
Pitching Prowess
On the mound, Corbin Burnes emerged as a cornerstone for his team, earning All-Star honors for four consecutive seasons. His consistency has been nothing short of spectacular. Blake Snell reinforced his elite status by adding a second Cy Young Award to his name, while Max Fried dominated as the premier left-handed pitcher with an unmatched ERA+ since 2020 among those who have pitched a minimum of 200 innings.
Meanwhile, innovative changes provided new life for several pitchers. Sean Manaea, inspired by Chris Sale, altered his delivery to great effect. Similarly, Jack Flaherty's tweak in his fastball axis and pitch mix resulted in markedly improved performance. And despite past injuries, Blake Treinen surpassed his 2021 form, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Comebacks and Adjustments
In a sport where adjustments are crucial, Luis Severino exemplified a successful rebound season by refining his pitch arsenal. Meanwhile, Yusei Kikuchi's midseason acquisition by the Astros culminated in a striking 147 ERA+, adding depth and reliability to a potent pitching staff. Carlos Estévez also shined with a career-best 171 ERA+ in 2024, cementing his reputation as a key bullpen figure.
Not all stories were of triumph alone. Max Scherzer was limited to just nine starts over the year, reminding us of the toll that the game can exact on even its most formidable competitors. Similarly, Shane Bieber and Ha-Seong Kim face lengthy recoveries from significant injuries, emphasizing the physical demands placed upon players at the top level of the sport.
Reliable Veterans
Veteran players continued to be invaluable assets to their teams. Charlie Morton's resilience was on full display as he made over 30 appearances each of the past four years, while Kirby Yates threw 60 innings in consecutive seasons, defying previous injuries to contribute significantly to his team's efforts. Notably, Walker Buehler closed out the World Series—an impressive feat considering a lackluster regular season.
In the field, Alex Bregman exemplified consistency, compiling the sixth-most Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base since 2020, a testament to his all-around excellence. Christian Walker continued his dominant run at first base, further solidifying his standing as one of the league's elite.
Notable Performances
Other players left their mark with standout performances on particular occasions. Roki Sasaki crafted a 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022, a display of pitching brilliance rarely witnessed on any diamond. Meanwhile, pitchers such as Jeff Hoffman, with a 184 ERA+ over his tenure with the Phillies, and Nick Martinez, with a 126 ERA+, demonstrated their value and skill since returning from international play.
Joc Pederson's career-best 151 OPS+ season illustrated his offensive potential, while Justin Turner continued to defy age-related decline, maintaining an above-average offensive pace. Jurickson Profar, too, had his first star-caliber season at age 31, proving that perseverance often pays off.
As these stories unfold, the narrative of MLB continues to evolve, captivating fans with every pitch, swing, and strategic adjustment. The heroes of today, through their achievements and trials, set the stage for future legends of America’s pastime.