As the Major League Baseball season winds to a close, the diamond has witnessed some extraordinary performances and notable milestones. From powerful swings at the plate to crafty maneuvers on the mound, players continue to etch their names into the annals of baseball history.
Sluggers Making Their Mark
Among the heavy hitters, Juan Soto stands out as he approaches free agency after a season defined by power and consistency, having hit at least 35 home runs in consecutive years. Similarly, Pete Alonso has showcased his slugging prowess, achieving over 30 home runs in every full season of his burgeoning career. Not to be overshadowed, Anthony Santander showed remarkable performance as well, becoming the first switch-hitter since 2006 to hit 40 or more homers in a season.
Teoscar Hernández has maintained an impressive form, with four standout seasons out of the last five, while Christian Walker continued his dominant run at first base, a position brimming with talent. These sluggers underscore the ever-present threat of the long ball in today's game.
Pitching Excellence at Its Finest
The season also highlighted extraordinary pitching displays. Blake Snell bolstered his reputation, capturing his second Cy Young Award, and Corbin Burnes earned All-Star honors for the fourth consecutive year, underscoring his place among the elite pitchers of this generation. Max Fried further fortified his reputation by achieving the best ERA+ among left-handed pitchers with a minimum of 200 innings pitched since 2020.
Inspired by his peers, Sean Manaea tweaked his delivery by emulating Chris Sale, leading to notable improvements. Similarly, Jack Flaherty’s strategic adjustments to his fastball axis and pitch mix have enhanced his performance on the mound, demonstrating that innovation continues to play a crucial role in pitcher development.
Veterans and Comebacks
For some, this season was about resurgence and resilience. Blake Treinen surpassed his 2021 form despite a history of injuries, and Luis Severino adjusted his pitch arsenal to enjoy a rebound year. Meanwhile, Justin Turner defied Father Time, maintaining an above-average offensive pace, showcasing the grit and tenacity that longtime fans have come to expect from seasoned veterans.
Nick Martinez, after his return from Japan, compiled an impressive 126 ERA+, and Jeff Hoffman posted a remarkable 184 ERA+ over two seasons with the Phillies, indicating successful transitions and adaptability.
Challenges and Setbacks
Not all stories were of triumph. Max Scherzer faced setbacks, limited to just nine starts this season. Alongside him, Shane Bieber finds himself on a long road to recovery from Tommy John surgery, with a return expected by mid-2025. Similarly, Ha-Seong Kim’s shoulder surgery is likely to sideline him into the next season. These challenges remind fans of the physical toll the sport demands.
Gleyber Torres also faced hurdles, achieving the second-lowest OPS+ of his career during his critical walk year. Yusei Kikuchi, however, revived his performance post-acquisition by the Astros, posting a stellar 147 ERA+ after the trade deadline, illustrating the ever-present opportunity for adjustment and resurgence in the face of adversity.
Emerging Talents and Historical Feats
Younger players have made their mark, with Roki Sasaki's exceptional 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022 still a vivid memory, reinforcing the promise of the next generation of baseball talent. Rookie Jurickson Profar also enjoyed a star-caliber season at age 31, a testament to perseverance and dedication.
Conclusively, the narrative of this season extends beyond numbers, shedding light on stories of resilience, reinvention, and raw talent. As we look ahead, fans remain eager to see how these ongoing storylines develop, anticipating another year where athletes prove their prowess on the field against the unpredictable backdrop of the sport they love.