After capping off an amazing season in 2023, MLB Network has just released their top 10 players coming into the 2024 season. Let’s take a look at the top five.
Coming in at number five is Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. Freeman is coming off of an amazing season where he broke the 200 hit mark. He also set a record for the Dodgers with 211 hits in a season, and he’s the first Dodger to do this since Tommy Davis in 1962. Freeman broke the record for most runs in a season, with 131. He ended the season with a .330 batting average and looks to do the same this upcoming year.
Number four is Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is also a Dodger and teammates with Freeman. This past year, Ohtani signed with the team for $700 million over a span of ten years. This deal was the biggest and most expensive deal for a single player in the history of the MLB. Ohtani is the full package, pitching the lights out and smashing home runs all around the ballpark. In 2023 Ohtani underwent surgery for his elbow, but he will still be able to hit in the 2024 season.
In the number three spot is Aaron Judge. Judge is known for breaking the record for most home runs hit in a season by the American League two years ago. However, 2023 was still a great year for the 6’7 superstar despite his injury struggles. Judge seems to have put in work during the offseason and hopes to increase his longevity throughout the 162 game season. The 2023 season was a “down year” for the Yankees right fielder, only hitting .267 and smashing 37 home runs. These stats sound great, but for a generational talent like Judge, fans know he is capable of more.
The number two overall in the league goes to yet another Los Angeles Dodger: Mookie Betts. Betts came off an astonishing year with a career-high 39 home runs and 14 stolen bases. Mookie was runner up in MVP voting, behind Ronald Acuña. He also was selected to his 7th Major League All Star game in 2023. This year Betts is going for gold, stating, “The staff has done a really good job in the offseason and signing but now it’s time to get that ring and show them.”
The number one ranked preseason player was the 2023 MVP Ronald Acuña. Acuña slashed an insane .337 batting average while also hitting 41 home runs. Acuña was named the National League MVP after dominating the league in almost every category. He also led the league in stolen bases with 73. The last time a player has had anywhere near as many steals as Acuña was back in 2007 with José Reyes.
Opening day is set for later in March and fans will soon be able to see how these stars will stack up.
