10 MLB Comeback Player of the Year Stories to Watch in 2024
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Jesse Winker
Few hitters have turned their fortunes around as dramatically as Jesse Winker. The key for him now is maintaining this momentum. After a disastrous 61-game stint in Milwaukee last year that saw his value plummet, Winker signed a prove-it deal with the Nationals. He has since made the most of this opportunity, positioning himself as an intriguing trade candidate as the deadline approaches.
This post by Eric Treuden appeared first on Just Baseball.
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Carlos Correa
The 2023 season was an unusual one for Carlos Correa, marking his worst full season at the plate. He led the league in grounding into double plays and struggled to make solid contact with the ball throughout the year. However, after a month of games in 2024, Correa is looking much more like the generational shortstop talent he once was. He has shown dramatic improvements in nearly every offensive category.
This post by Eric Treuden appeared first on Just Baseball.
Erick Fedde
Erick Fedde spent his 2023 season dominating for the NC Dinos in South Korea. The previous year, however, he struggled immensely as a full-time member of the Nationals’ starting rotation. Upon returning to the States, Fedde brought with him a lethal sinker/sweeper combination and has emerged as one of the top surprises in baseball through his first 10 starts. He’s striking out batters at a significantly higher rate and has been far more effective at limiting baserunners than ever before in his MLB career.
Jack Flaherty
A mid-season trade to the Orioles turned Jack Flaherty’s 2023 season from bad to worse, negatively impacting his stats. After signing a one-year contract with Detroit, he has suddenly emerged as one of the better starters in the game. Flaherty currently leads the AL in strikeouts (72) and has significantly reduced his walk rate. It's been a while since he was considered an All-Star-caliber pitcher, but Flaherty appears to be back in top form.
Casey Mize
Casey Mize, a former top pitching prospect, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, causing him to miss the entire season. Now back on the mound, he has looked sharp. His comeback story focuses less on year-to-year statistical improvement and more on his return from a major injury. Contributing to the Tigers' surging rotation, Mize boasts a 116 ERA+ and has become an integral part of the team's success.
Tyler O'Neill
The relationship between Tyler O’Neill and the St. Louis Cardinals deteriorated quickly last year, resulting in his trade to Boston. Now, he's on a promising comeback trail. The 29-year-old once again resembles the MVP-caliber player from 2021, ranking sixth in the AL for home runs (11) and ninth in runs scored (29).
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Carlos Rodon
Carlos Rodon has emerged as a key leader in the Yankees rotation. After a difficult season last year, the left-hander is now in the midst of a remarkable comeback. He has slimmed down and adjusted his repertoire, complementing his fastball-slider combo with a changeup, curveball, and cutter. This expanded arsenal has played a significant role in helping him return to top form on the mound.
Chris Sale
One of the most compelling storylines of the year has been Chris Sale rediscovering his ace potential with his new team. Over the past few years, the lanky left-hander has become one of the most injury-prone players in recent memory. However, in 2024, he has easily been the Braves’ best pitcher. With Spencer Strider sidelined, Sale has stepped up, once again resembling the surefire Hall of Famer he was during his days with the White Sox.
Luis Severino
The 2023 season couldn't have gone worse for Luis Severino, who ended his eight-year stint with the Yankees on a low note. It appears all he needed was a change of scenery to the other New York team. Severino has significantly improved his performance across the board and is already close to matching last year's total of quality starts (5), with 3 in 10 fewer outings. Leading a Mets rotation in dire need of a standout, Severino has become one of the most notable comeback stories of 2024.
Brady Singer
Brady Singer, a former first-round pick, has yet to fully realize his high potential. Last year was particularly tough, with career-highs in ERA and FIP and career-lows in strikeouts. However, his comeback this season has been a bright spot for a Royals team filled with similar stories. Sporting a 152 ERA+, Singer could very well find himself in the All-Star Game in a few months if he continues at this pace.
Jesse Winker
Few hitters have turned their fortunes around as dramatically as Jesse Winker. The key for him now is maintaining this momentum. After a disastrous 61-game stint in Milwaukee last year that saw his value plummet, Winker signed a prove-it deal with the Nationals. He has since made the most of this opportunity, positioning himself as an intriguing trade candidate as the deadline approaches.
This post by Eric Treuden appeared first on Just Baseball.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Carlos Correa
The 2023 season was an unusual one for Carlos Correa, marking his worst full season at the plate. He led the league in grounding into double plays and struggled to make solid contact with the ball throughout the year. However, after a month of games in 2024, Correa is looking much more like the generational shortstop talent he once was. He has shown dramatic improvements in nearly every offensive category.
This post by Eric Treuden appeared first on Just Baseball.
