In the world of Major League Baseball, as the dust settles on a thrilling season, a number of standout performances and intriguing developments demand the spotlight. From players achieving career milestones to those wrestling with injuries and others making crucial adjustments to their game, the 2024 season has been nothing short of captivating.
Power Surge at the Plate
Few could overlook the impact of Juan Soto, who, in another stellar season, hit at least 35 home runs for the second consecutive year and now stands on the verge of free agency. With his eyes set on the future, Soto is poised to be one of the most sought-after players in the market.
Meanwhile, Pete Alonso continued to reinforce his reputation as one of the league's most consistent sluggers, having surpassed the 30-home-run mark in every full season of his career. His performance remains a cornerstone for his team’s offensive lineup.
If consistency is Alonso's hallmark, Teoscar Hernández's four commendable campaigns out of the last five illustrate his formidable presence on the field. Not to be overshadowed, Anthony Santander etched his name in history as the first switch-hitter since 2006 to club 40 or more home runs in a season, an achievement that underscores his hitting prowess from both sides of the plate.
Pitching Excellence
On the mound, Corbin Burnes has solidified his stature, earning All-Star honors for four consecutive seasons, proving himself to be one of the game's elite pitchers. Likewise, Blake Snell's brilliance has shone through multiple times, with the two-time Cy Young Award winner further cementing his legacy in the league.
Left-handed pitcher Max Fried quietly led his peers in ERA+, with an outstanding performance over the past few seasons, highlighting his exceptional control and command on the mound. In a quest for improvement, Sean Manaea, inspired by Chris Sale, made pivotal changes to his delivery, reaping the rewards with noticeable enhancements in his performance.
Adaptations and Comebacks
The story doesn't end with experienced players refining their craft; young talents like Roki Sasaki astonished fans by delivering a 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022, reflecting the bright future ahead. Similarly, seasoned pitcher Jack Flaherty's adjustment to his fastball axis and pitch mix has led to a revitalized showing on the field.
Blake Treinen also bounced back to his impressive 2021 form, overcoming past injuries to prove his resilience. Luis Severino joined the list of rebound players by revising his pitch arsenal, which played a crucial role in his resurgence this season.
Challenges and Recovery
However, not all narratives ended on a high note. Max Scherzer faced a challenging season, limited to just nine starts, hinting at the hurdles even top players encounter. Shane Bieber’s timeline extends further into the future, as he's slated for recovery from Tommy John surgery until mid-2025.
Ha-Seong Kim finds himself on the sidelines as well, with shoulder surgery keeping him out into the next season, highlighting the physical toll the sport can take on even the most gifted players.
Notable Performances
Switching focus to the bullpen and beyond, Yusei Kikuchi's acquisition by the Astros resulted in a remarkable 147 ERA+, while Carlos Estévez reached a career-best with a 171 ERA+ in 2024. Nick Martinez continued to impress with a 126 ERA+ since his time in Japan, offering teams plenty of depth in their pitching rosters.
Position players like Alex Bregman demonstrated their value, compiling the sixth-most Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base since 2020. Christian Walker sustained his dominant run at first base, emphasizing the importance of steady performances in pivotal positions.
Seasoned Veterans and Rising Stars
Veterans like Justin Turner, who maintained an above-average offensive output despite his advancing years, prove that age is but a number when it comes to performance on the field. Jurickson Profar enjoyed his first star-caliber season at 31, showing that perseverance can indeed pay dividends.
Yet, as bright as some stars shone, others faded. Gleyber Torres struggled during his walk year, posting the second-lowest OPS+ of his career. Conversely, Joc Pederson achieved a personal best with a 151 OPS+.
This season also saw Donovan Solano performing effectively against left-handed pitchers, Jeff Hoffman boasting an impressive 184 ERA+ over two seasons with the Phillies, and Charlie Morton making over 30 appearances annually for the past four years, proving his durability and reliability. Kirby Yates, overcoming prior injuries, managed to throw 60 innings in successive seasons.
In a storyline that reads like a script penned for a winning sports drama, Walker Buehler closed out the World Series despite a lackluster regular season, highlighting how performance peaks at just the right moment can lead to historical triumphs.
The 2024 MLB season presented a tapestry of achievements, comebacks, and setbacks, reminding fans and players alike of the passion and unpredictability that define America’s pastime. As the league looks to the off-season and beyond, these stories will undoubtedly influence the narratives of tomorrow.