The Seoul Series has come and gone and we are now just four days away from the full start to the 2024 season. As part of our countdown to Opening Day, it’s time to predict which players will stand out the most this year.
We polled 87 MLB.com experts for their picks on who will lead the American League and National League in a number of key statistical categories, including homers, batting average, stolen bases, ERA, strikeouts and saves. Here are the results.
AL: Bo Bichette, Blue Jays
If this prediction comes to fruition, Bichette would become just the second batting champion in Blue Jays history, joining John Olerud (led AL with .363 average in 1993). No AL player has collected more hits (555) in the past three years than Bichette, who finished third in the AL with a .306 batting average last season behind Yandy Díaz (.330) and Corey Seager (.327).
Others receiving votes: Corey Seager, Juan Soto, Yordan Alvarez, Yandy Díaz, Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Masataka Yoshida, Aaron Judge, Evan Carter, José Ramírez, Kyle Tucker, Steven Kwan
NL: Luis Arraez, Marlins
Arraez has cemented himself as baseball’s preeminent contact hitter, evoking memories of Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. After winning the AL batting title as a member of the Twins in 2022, Arraez led the NL with a .354 average last year, becoming the first player to earn a batting crown in each league in consecutive seasons. If he adds a third in 2024, it would make him the first player since Miguel Cabrera in 2011-13 to win a batting title in three consecutive years. Our voters like his chances of getting it done.
Others receiving votes: Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuña Jr., Jeff McNeil, Jung Hoo Lee, Bryan Reynolds, Nico Hoerner, Trea Turner
AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees
Judge set an AL record with 62 homers in 2022 and was on pace to record 50-plus dingers again last year before injuring his right big toe when he crashed into the outfield fence at Dodger Stadium on June 3. If he stays healthy in 2024, it’s easy to imagine the superstar slugger leading the AL in home runs for the third time in his career, especially after last year’s AL leader, Shohei Ohtani, made the jump to the NL in free agency.
Others receiving votes: Yordan Alvarez, Juan Soto, Adolis García, Julio Rodríguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Corey Seager, Gunnar Henderson, Luis Robert Jr., Rafael Devers, Spencer Torkelson
NL: Pete Alonso, Mets
Alonso went deep 46 times a year ago, notching his second straight 40-homer campaign and ranking third in the NL behind Matt Olson (54) and Kyle Schwarber (47). With more homers (192) than anyone else since he made his MLB debut — including a rookie-record 53 dingers in 2019 — it’s no surprise the first baseman drew a lot of support in our poll.
Others receiving votes: Shohei Ohtani, Matt Olson, Kyle Schwarber, Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, Fernando Tatis Jr., Mookie Betts, Oneil Cruz, Rhys Hoskins
AL: Esteury Ruiz, Athletics
After swiping 85 bases during the 2022 Minor League season, Ruiz led the AL with 67 stolen bases in his first year with the A’s — 18 more steals than the next closest player in the league. The only thing that might prevent Ruiz from leading the AL again? His performance at the plate. Considering how little power production he brings to the table, the 25-year-old may need to improve his on-base skills (.309 OBP in 2023) to avoid ceding some playing time in Oakland’s outfield.
Others receiving votes: Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Jarren Duran
NL: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
Acuña made history in 2024, not only becoming the fifth 40-40 player ever but also the first member of the 40-70 club en route to the NL MVP Award. Acuña stole 73 bases in all, 19 more than the next closest NL player. There’s reason to wonder if the right meniscus injury — the same knee on which he underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in 2021 — will cause him to be more cautious on the bases, but manager Brian Snitker doesn’t…
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