In the dynamic world of Major League Baseball, consistency and adaptability remain the hallmarks of enduring success. This past season, several players have stood out by either shattering records or making significant adjustments to enhance their game, positioning them as pivotal figures in their respective teams and, in some cases, signaling exciting prospects in the upcoming free agency market.
Power Players on the Rise
Juan Soto has emerged as a formidable force, crushing at least 35 home runs in consecutive seasons. Now, as he approaches free agency, the anticipation around him is palpable. Pete Alonso, another powerhouse, has consistently delivered, surpassing 30 home runs in every full season of his career, a testament to his unwavering power-hitting ability.
Teoscar Hernández, with four standout seasons in the past five years, continues to impress with his consistent performance at the plate. Meanwhile, Anthony Santander etched his name in the history books, becoming the first switch-hitter since 2006 to achieve the feat of 40 or more home runs in a single season.
Pitching Prowess and Adjustments
Pitchers have also made their mark, with Corbin Burnes earning All-Star honors for four straight years, demonstrating remarkable dominance on the mound. Blake Snell, already a two-time Cy Young Award winner, remains a benchmark for excellence in pitching.
Max Fried's impeccable form, with the highest ERA+ among left-handed pitchers since 2020, continues to underscore his strategic acumen and impressive pitching skills. On the developmental front, both Sean Manaea and Jack Flaherty have made significant adjustments to their pitching mechanics. Manaea, inspired by Chris Sale, tweaked his delivery to noticeable improvement, while Flaherty’s adjusted fastball axis and pitch mix have enhanced his performance this season.
Blake Treinen has surpassed his 2021 form despite battling past injuries, and Nick Martinez has proved his mettle with a 126 ERA+ since returning from Japan. Additionally, Jeff Hoffman stands out with a stellar 184 ERA+ over two seasons with the Phillies, further amplifying the depth of talent in pitching circles.
The Resurgence and Resilience
The stories of resilience extend off the mound. Roki Sasaki dazzled with a remarkable 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022, capturing the imagination of baseball enthusiasts worldwide. Meanwhile, Max Scherzer faced limitations this season with only nine starts, but his storied career suggests this setback is but a chapter in his enduring legacy.
For Shane Bieber, recovery from Tommy John surgery is on the horizon, with a comeback slated for mid-2025, while Ha-Seong Kim’s shoulder surgery signals a hiatus, likely stretching into the next season. These players' paths to recovery are anticipated with interest, given their potential impact upon return.
Season Highlights and Milestones
A few notable achievements define this year’s baseball season. Carlos Estévez reached a career-best 171 ERA+ in 2024, showcasing his pitching prowess. Alex Bregman continues to excel at third base, compiling the sixth-most Wins Above Replacement (WAR) since 2020, underscoring his vital role within the team dynamics.
Christian Walker has maintained a dominant presence at first base, and Jurickson Profar, at 31, experienced his first star-caliber season, highlighting his late bloom in professional baseball. Joc Pederson reached a career-best 151 OPS+, while Justin Turner, despite age-related whispers, maintained an impressive offensive pace.
Amongst players who have adjusted their game, Luis Severino's revamped pitch arsenal has fueled a rejuvenated season, while Yusei Kikuchi notched a 147 ERA+ upon joining the Astros, proving to be a valuable mid-season acquisition. Donovan Solano, too, has shown his value with a strong performance against left-handed pitchers.
The consistency of players like Charlie Morton, who made over 30 appearances each of the past four years, and Kirby Yates, completing 60 innings in consecutive seasons, further emphasize the importance of endurance and reliability in professional sports.
Finally, Walker Buehler demonstrated his clutch factor by closing out the World Series, a formidable finale to a regular season that was otherwise considered lackluster by his standards.
As we look towards the next season, these narratives of triumphs, adjustments, and comebacks will undoubtedly provide a rich tapestry for fans and analysts alike, keeping the spirit and excitement of baseball alive and thriving.