As the Major League Baseball (MLB) season wraps up, players and fans alike are reflecting on some remarkable performances and memorable milestones from the past year. With the off-season on the horizon, let's delve into the standout achievements and intriguing narratives that emerged across the league.
A Season of Power-Hitting Prowess
Few players can match the sheer power and consistency of Juan Soto, who continued to make headlines by hitting at least 35 home runs in consecutive seasons. Soto, now approaching free agency, will undoubtedly be a sought-after player in the market. Similarly, Pete Alonso maintained his reputation as a power hitter, surpassing the 30-home run mark in every full season of his career, further solidifying his place among baseball's elite sluggers.
Anthony Santander's impressive feat of becoming the first switch-hitter since 2006 to hit 40 or more home runs in a season is a testament to his growth as a player. Meanwhile, Christian Walker continued his strong performance at first base, proving that his power-hitting capabilities remain undiminished.
Pitching Mastery and Emerging Stars
On the mound, Corbin Burnes made his mark by earning All-Star honors for four consecutive seasons, showcasing a level of excellence that few can claim. Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, remains a formidable presence on the mound, keeping batters on their toes with his command and finesse.
Max Fried distinguished himself as the left-handed pitcher with the best ERA+ since 2020 for those pitching over 200 innings, exemplifying his dominance in the rotation. Notably, Sean Manaea found newfound success after modifying his delivery, thanks to inspiration from Chris Sale. His adjustments have paid dividends, as attested by his improved performance.
Equally compelling is the story of Jack Flaherty, who meticulously adjusted his fastball axis and pitch mix, leading to enhanced results on the field. Blake Treinen, too, surpassed his 2021 form despite battling past injuries, underscoring his resilience and determination.
Comebacks and Challenges
Roki Sasaki's 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022 remains one of the most jaw-dropping performances in recent memory, demonstrating the high ceiling of his young career. On the other hand, veterans like Max Scherzer had a less than ideal season, limited to only nine starts due to unforeseen challenges.
The season was also a rollercoaster for Shane Bieber and Ha-Seong Kim. Bieber's journey is particularly poignant as he works toward recovery from Tommy John surgery, with his return expected around mid-2025. Kim is faced with a similar predicament, needing shoulder surgery that will likely sideline him into the next season.
Rebounding Through Adjustment
Luis Severino demonstrated that adjustments can sometimes lead to revitalization. By tweaking his pitch arsenal, he enjoyed a noteworthy rebound season. Yusei Kikuchi similarly excelled after being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline, posting a remarkable 147 ERA+.
Meanwhile, Carlos Estévez achieved a career-best 171 ERA+ in 2024, a bright spot in his professional journey. Nick Martinez and Jeff Hoffman both made significant strides as well, with Martinez compiling a strong 126 ERA+ since returning from Japan and Hoffman boasting a 184 ERA+ over two seasons with the Phillies.
Veterans Leading by Example
A wave of seasoned players reminded us of the value experience brings to the game. Charlie Morton, an enduring stalwart in rotations, made over 30 appearances each of the past four years, exemplifying durability. Kirby Yates showed similar resilience, throwing 60 innings in consecutive seasons despite past injuries.
In the batter's box, Justin Turner proved age is just a number, maintaining an above-average offensive pace. Jurickson Profar, at age 31, achieved his first star-caliber season, a heartening narrative of persistence paying off.
Gleyber Torres, although experiencing the second-lowest OPS+ of his career in his walk year, still showcases the potential and drive that made him a noteworthy player. Joc Pederson, on the other hand, reached new heights with a career-best 151 OPS+, adding another chapter to his evolving career.
Finally, Donovan Solano provided consistent value against left-handed pitchers, rounding out a season filled with impressive performances and unexpected triumphs.
As the MLB landscape evolves, the stories of these players offer a glimpse into the ever-changing dynamics and relentless competition that define America's pastime. Each narrative carries the promise of further developments, ensuring fans have much to look forward to in the coming seasons.