As the cheer of the crowd in the ballpark returns, MLB fans across the world start taking their seat to witness the season unfold. With Spring Training underway, one gets a glimpse of what the regular season is going to look like. While pitching matchups and defensive games captivate the fans, it’s the offensive fireworks that ignite a unique passion for baseball. But with a spectrum of talented hitters throughout the league, who will reign supreme in the season of 2024?

Well, to answer that question one must first narrow down the cream. And securing a spot on this prestigious list, not only does require a combination of power and average, but also on-base skill. While some might already be able to predict the names, some might not. With that, it’s time to dive right into the top five offensive players to watch out for in 2024. 

Who are the top five offensive players this MLB season?

The Atlanta Braves has Ronald Acuña Jr. He is synonymous with being a strong contender for the crown. This young superstar can do it all. As proof, remember the time when he swiped a league-leading 73 bases in 2023? Not to mention he launched a whopping 41 home runs. Speaking of whopping numbers, his on-base percentage was at a scorching .416. Talk about a nightmare for pitchers!

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Another known name in the MVP conversation is Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is a guy you can always count on, he’s one of a kind. Not only does he bring consistency but he also has a well-rounded approach to the plate. In 2023, he hit a cool .307, and hit 39 dingers. Additionally, he led the entire league in RBIs with a striking 107. Talk about driving in runs!

Rounding out the top three is Corey Seager, who is constantly rising the Texas Rangers fans’ excitement. This past year, he emerged as a true force offensively. He blast 33 home runs and drove in 96 runs, all this, while maintaining a batting average of .327. He brings dual ability to the table, both power and average wise. With that, pitchers will have their hands full trying to get him out. 

Wondering where Shohei Ohtani falls in this list? Well, he is number 4. While transitioning to a full-time DH role due to his elbow issue, Ohtani’s offensive dominance remains evident. In 2023, he hit a stellar 44 home runs and drove in 95 RBIs along with sporting a .304 batting average despite having an incomplete season. He is rightly the dual threat. 

Another name that is synonymous with threat is the New York Yankees’ new power acquisition – Juan Soto. Soto brings a potentially explosive bat to the Bronx. In spite of a statistically underwhelming 2023 in comparison to his previous years, this 25-year-old’s talent can’t be understated. His career .303 batting average and an on-base percentage of .421 indicate an impending breakout season in pinstripes. And to fuel his power, the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium does the job. 

Who sits at the top in MLB? Is it Mookie Betts or Ronald Acuna Jr?

The comparison between two top offensive players is a tight one. Yet, one stands slightly superior than the other. Mookie Betts, the veteran leader of the Dodgers aka Blue Crew, brings a mature approach to the plate. He is consistent and proudly has a career batting average over .300 and a knack for clutch hits to his name. Last year, he led the league in RBIs – 107. But does this make him the best out there? 

Let’s look at Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves. He brings an electrifying skillset that could propel him to the top. At the young age of just 25 years, Acuña Jr. is already a terror. He led the league in stolen bases – 73 in 2023.  He also flaunts impressive power, launching 41 home runs last season.  

On one hand Betts offers a more traditional offensive threat, on the other Acuña Jr.’s speed, power, and on-base skills juxtaposed with each other, makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Eventually, the choice between these two offensive juggernauts relies on what criteria one would want to judge them on. A consistent run producer or a dynamic threat who can change the game with his legs and bat? 

The reason why Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani may not be the best 

Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are generational talents. But there have been multiple reasons behind them not being able to claim the top spot in the offensive player list of 2024. Judge’s dominance in 2022, where he broke the American League record for home runs with 62, was unfortunately littered with injuries in 2023. A limited playing time due to a hindering shoulder issue too impacted his overall production. Though he did not make it to the top of the list, he insists on staying healthy and not rushing into breaking records. 

Ohtani’s situation is one of a kind.  Due to elbow issue, he is on his way to transition from a two-way player to a full-time designated hitter for the current year. This change raises concerns about his offensive consistency. Ohtani loves to pitch and would like to do both through his career as he has expressed before. However, focusing solely on hitting could lead to fatigue or a potential dip in focus in comparison to when he was toggling between pitching and hitting. Granted that Ohtani’s raw power remains unmatched, but his new role as a full-time DH brings an element of uncertainty into his offensive picture.

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Surprise package: How can Juan Soto alter the offensive charts in MLB

One name that cannot be ignored when talking about offense is Juan Soto. His acquisition to the Bronx has injected a huge dose of intrigue in the Yankees club house. Though his 2023 numbers fell short of his idea brilliance [.275 average, 35 homers] Soto bears the talent to become a game-changer. His sophisticated plate discipline, consistent low strikeout rate (career K% of 13.9%), and technique for drawing walks (career OBP of .421) make him a force to be reconned with when he’s at the plate. 

Additionally, a change of air could be the much needed catalyst for a breakout season. Playing in the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium, surrounded by a potent lineup amid an electric crowd and energy, he could unleash his full potential. Just imagine the damage Soto could do batting behind Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton. This dominance would be enough to freak the pitchers out. His presence in the Bronx has positive effects apart from elevating his own offensive production.

He can cause a ripple effect, making the entire Yankees lineup a dangerous one. While it becomes tough to pin point which player is better than the other on thing is for sure. It is important to enjoy the game and the regular season from start to end to know more about the capability of the players. With that in mind, don’t forget to tune in to ES FanCast to get live updates of Spring Training. 

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