2024 Baseball Insights

Predicting the top players and teams in the MLB for the 2024 season is a tricky business, as injuries, trades, and unforeseen breakout performances can dramatically shift the landscape. However, based on current projections and trends, here are some promising names to watch:

Top Players:

Ronald Acuna Jr., OF, Atlanta Braves: Acuna is a perennial MVP candidate, known for his explosive power, speed, and exciting style of play. Although he missed significant time in 2023 due to injury, he remains a dominant force when healthy.

Mookie Betts, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers: Betts is a consistent all-around talent, excelling in hitting, fielding, and baserunning. He provides stability and leadership to the powerful Dodgers lineup.

Juan Soto, RF, San Diego Padres: Soto is arguably the best young hitter in baseball, possessing incredible plate discipline and raw power. He could be on track for a monster season in 2024.

Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays: Franco is another highly-touted young star, already showing flashes of brilliance at shortstop. His combination of hitting prowess and defensive agility makes him a true superstar in the making.

Shohei Ohtani, DH/SP, Los Angeles Angels (if back at pitching): Ohtani continues to redefine the game with his dual threat as a dominant hitter and pitcher. While his pitching status for 2024 remains uncertain, his presence on the field creates endless excitement and intrigue.

Top Teams:

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers boast a well-rounded roster with numerous All-Star caliber players across all positions. Their pitching staff is particularly impressive, anchored by the addition of Yu Darvish and Kohei Arihara.

Atlanta Braves: The reigning World Series champions are back with a vengeance, led by Acuna's return to full health and a potent lineup featuring Freddie Freeman and Michael Harris II.

New York Yankees: The Yankees are always a threat with their potent offense and deep pockets. With Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton leading the charge, their lineup remains a force to be reckoned with.

Baltimore Orioles: The young Orioles are on the rise with a talented core of prospects like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. Their pitching staff also shows promise, making them a potential dark horse contender.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers made a splash in the offseason by acquiring Jacob deGrom, creating a formidable rotation along with Nathan Eovaldi. Their offense needs improvement, but their aggressive approach could pay off in 2024.

New Players to Watch:

Ceddanne Rafaela, OF, Seattle Mariners: This young outfielder possesses elite speed and raw power, drawing comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr. He could quickly become a fan favorite in Seattle.

Michael Mayer, C, Tampa Bay Rays: Mayer is the top catching prospect in baseball, known for his defensive prowess and advanced hitting skills for his position. He could be a cornerstone player for the Rays for years to come.

Seiya Suzuki, OF, Chicago Cubs: The Japanese slugger enjoyed a successful first season in the MLB in 2023. He could see an even bigger breakout in 2024, showcasing his immense power and on-base skills.

Bryce Miller, SP, Seattle Mariners: This young lefty has electric stuff and the potential to be a frontline starter for years to come. Mariners fans will be excited to see his debut in 2024.

Wilyer Abreu, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Abreu is another toolsy outfielder with impressive power and speed. He could join Nick Fortes and Jonathan India as part of a young and exciting core in Cincinnati.

The 2024 MLB season kicks off in two stages:

Early Opening Series: Two games between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea, marking the first-ever MLB games in the country. These games will take place on Wednesday, March 20th and Thursday, March 21st at 7:05 PM local time (3:05 AM PT).

Traditional Opening Day: All 30 Major League Baseball teams begin their regular season schedules on Thursday, March 28th. There will be 15 opening day games featuring six divisional matchups and one interleague battle between the Chicago Cubs and the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers.

So, you can watch the season get underway with the Dodgers vs. Padres in South Korea or wait for the full slate of games on traditional Opening Day!