In February, the MLB Network released the top 100 players of 2024 through their Top 100 Players Right Now series. Every few days they would release 10 more players and their ranking. The release of the top 10 players was highly anticipated. The top 10 consists of players from four different teams: three being from the Dodgers and three from the Yankees. This makes their upcoming matchup in June even more exciting. With that being said, here are the top 10 best players in 2024.
10. Julio Rodríguez
Centerfielder for the Mariners, Rodríguez has made quite the name for himself these past couple of years. He looks to continue his greatness from his first two seasons as he enters his third. At just 23 years old, he is a two-time All-Star and has participated in the home run derby twice. He is an exciting player to watch, knowing he can do something amazing at any moment. Rodriguez has a 12-year contract to play with the Mariners until 2034, with an option to extend for five more years.
9. Gerrit Cole
The starting pitcher for the Yankees, Gerrit Cole, is entering his fourth season with the team. This past season, 2023, Cole won the American League Cy Young Award. This award is given to the best pitcher in baseball and Cole has definitely earned that title. He is a six-time baseball All-Star. In the most recent All-Star game, Cole was the starting pitcher. Cole is the only pitcher on the top 10 list, further establishing his status as the best pitcher in baseball right now, and probably will be for many years to come.
8. Yordan Alvarez
26-year-old, Yordan Alvarez is a left fielder for the Houston Astros. Alvarez made his major league debut in 2019 and has hit 129 home runs since then. He has an excellent batting average of .295, he is an insanely great hitter. Alvarez was an all-star in 2022 and 2023 for the American League. Along with being on the World Series champions team in 2022, he won a Silver Slugger Award in 2022 and was American League Rookie of the Year in 2019.
7. Juan Soto
New addition to the Yankees, left fielder Juan Soto is known to hit homers. Soto got traded to the Yankees this past December and it was one of the most hyped deals of the offseason. He was a much-needed addition to the team. At just 25 years old, Soto has hit 160 home runs in his major league career. Soto is a three-time All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He was on the Nationals’ World Series-winning team in 2019. Soto won the 2022 Home Run Derby with 19 home runs in the final round and a total of 53 in the whole derby. There are no words to describe how great it is to watch Soto and how much potential he has for the future.
6. Corey Seager
Rangers shortstop Corey Seager is a truly incredible player. He has an amazing batting average of .292. He is a four-time All-Star and two-time World Series MVP. He won the World Series when he was with the Dodgers and most recently, the Rangers. Seagar won the Silver Slugger Award three times for shortstop. In 2016, Seager was the National League Rookie of the year. Since 2015, Seager has hit 170 home runs and 543 runs batted in.
5. Freddie Freeman
First Baseman for the Dodgers, Freddie Freeman is a seven-time All-Star. He has won three consecutive Silver Slugger Awards. In 2021, Freeman’s last year with the Atlanta Braves, they won the World Series. Freeman has hit a total of 321 home runs since beginning his major league career in 2010. Freeman has a batting average of .301, which is absolutely incredible.
4. Shohei Ohtani
A new addition to the Dodgers, pitcher and hitter Shohei Ohtani is a beloved baseball player. He made his major league debut in 2018 with the Angels. During this past offseason, there was a lot of talk about what team Ohtani was going to go to. After many offers, he ultimately chose the Dodgers. Ohtani is a three time all-star and a two time Silver Slugger award winner. In 2018, Ohtani won the American League Rookie of the year. Since the start of his major league debut, he has hit 171 home runs and 437 runs batted in.
3. Aaron Judge
Captain of the Yankees, center fielder Aaron Judge has taken the baseball world by storm. He started his Major League Baseball journey with the Yankees in 2018. Judge holds the major league record for most home runs hit in one season at a whopping 62, which he accomplished in 2022. He was the home run leader in 2017 and 2022 for the American League. Judge made his major league debut in 2016. At his first at bat, he hit a home run which is very rare and amazing. In 2017, Judge was the American League Rookie of the year. Judge is a five time all-star and a three time Silver Slugger Award winner.
2. Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts has been in the league for 10 years and is a seven-time all-star. Betts plays right field and second base for the Dodgers. He won the World Series once with the Red Sox and once with the Dodgers. He has won six Silver Slugger Awards and six Gold Glove awards. Starting this 2024 season, the Dodgers have decided to put Betts at shortstop. It is going to be exciting to see how he does with this position change.
1.Ronald Acuña Jr.
At just 26 years old, Ronald Acuña Jr. is a phenomenal right fielder for the Braves. He has been in the league for six years and has hit 161 home runs. Acuña is a four-time All-Star and has won the Silver Slugger Award three times. Acuña has been the National League stolen base leader in 2019 and 2023. He has stolen 180 bases since the start of his career. Acuña is an incredible player and will continue to do great things in the upcoming seasons.
Edited by Shaniya Scales
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