In the world of Major League Baseball, the 2024 season has been nothing short of a spectacle, with several players making their mark in unforgettable ways. As free agency approaches and the year comes to a close, let's take a moment to reflect on some standout performances and significant milestones.
Home Run Heroes
Among the most notable achievements this season was Juan Soto hitting over 35 home runs for the second consecutive season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most formidable sluggers. His performance has not only thrilled fans but also set the stage for an intriguing free agency period. Meanwhile, Pete Alonso continued his consistent power display, having hit over 30 home runs in every full season of his career. Anthony Santander joined the elite group of switch-hitters, becoming the first since 2006 to smash 40 or more home runs in a single season, showcasing his exceptional versatility and power from both sides of the plate.
Pitching Prowess
On the mound, Corbin Burnes proved his mettle yet again, earning All-Star honors for four consecutive seasons. His consistent excellence has made him a staple in discussions about the league's best pitchers. Meanwhile, two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell continues to be an anchor in the rotation, while Max Fried has quietly put together an impressive resume. Since 2020, Fried boasts the best ERA+ among left-handed pitchers with a minimum of 200 innings pitched, underscoring his dominance.
Some pitchers took unique paths to success. Sean Manaea, inspired by Chris Sale, modified his delivery and saw his performance improve significantly. Jack Flaherty adjusted his fastball axis and pitch mix, resulting in enhanced outcomes on the mound. Meanwhile, Blake Treinen managed to surpass his 2021 form, despite a history of injuries, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Recovery and Resilience
The 2024 season was also marked by stories of recovery and perseverance. Max Scherzer faced limitations, making just nine starts, while Shane Bieber is on a trajectory for recovery, expected to return by mid-2025 following Tommy John surgery. Ha-Seong Kim, who requires shoulder surgery, is likely to be sidelined into the next season, and fans await his promising return.
Luis Severino enjoyed a rebound season after adjusting his pitch arsenal, a testament to the notion that even in professional baseball, adaptation is key. Yusei Kikuchi and Carlos Estévez had stellar seasons, with Kikuchi posting a 147 ERA+ following his acquisition by the Astros at the trade deadline and Estévez achieving a career-best 171 ERA+ in 2024.
Consistent Contributors
Reliable performances also came from Alex Bregman, who compiled the sixth-most Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at third base since 2020, and Christian Walker, who continued his dominant offensive output at first base. Gleyber Torres, however, faced a challenging year, recording the second-lowest OPS+ of his career during his walk year.
On the flip side, Joc Pederson reached new heights, achieving a career-best 151 OPS+. Veteran Justin Turner maintained an above-average offensive pace, proving age is just a number. Jurickson Profar finally had a star-caliber season at 31, highlighting the unpredictable nature of baseball careers.
Remarkable Feats and Future Prospects
Across the league, several players etched their names into the annals of baseball history. Roki Sasaki's 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022 is a standout moment, likely to be remembered as one of the greatest single-game performances. Meanwhile, pitchers like Nick Martinez and Jeff Hoffman have impressed since returning from abroad and switching teams, with Martinez compiling a 126 ERA+ post-Japan and Hoffman achieving a 184 ERA+ over two seasons with the Phillies.
Veterans like Charlie Morton and Kirby Yates demonstrated endurance, making over 30 appearances for the past four years and throwing 60 innings in consecutive seasons, respectively. Walker Buehler's ability to close out the World Series highlighted his role as a clutch performer, despite a less-than-stellar regular season.
As the offseason looms, baseball enthusiasts eagerly await the decisions that will shape the 2025 season. From free agency signings to injury recoveries, next year's narratives are already filling with potential intrigue. One thing remains certain: as these players continue to defy expectations, the excitement surrounding America's pastime shows no signs of waning.