Bryce Harper or Shohei Ohtani? Who was the NL’s Top June Slugger?

Just Missed the Podium: Fernando Tatis Jr., SDP

June stats: 82 PA, 5 HR, 13 R, 7 RBI, .365/.427/.635, 205 wRC+, 2 SB, 1.2 fWAR

Fernando Tatis Jr. experienced a stress reaction in his right leg last week, which placed him on the IL for the remainder of the first half of the season. Consequently, he participated in just 20 of the San Diego Padres’ 28 games last month, and his 82 plate appearances were not sufficient for the right fielder to qualify for rate stat leaderboards in June.

Despite this, Tatis's performance on the field was so impressive that it deserved recognition. His 205 wRC+ was the third highest in the NL (min. 60 PA), and he ranked 12th in fWAR despite having significantly fewer plate appearances than those ranked above him.

Additionally, Tatis led NL batters (min. 20 PA) with a .469 xwOBA in June.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

Gold Medal Hitter of the Month: Bryce Harper, PHI

June stats: 104 PA, 7 HR, 20 R, 16 RBI, .374/.452/.714, 221 wRC+, 1 SB, 1.9 fWAR

The Philadelphia Phillies' unofficial captain has topped the Senior Circuit in FanGraphs WAR for the second consecutive month. Indeed, Bryce Harper proved even more valuable in June than in May, despite missing the last three days of the month due to a hamstring strain.

Harper not only led the league in fWAR but also dominated among qualified NL batters in slugging percentage, wOBA, and wRC+ for June. Additionally, he has shown his prowess as a surprisingly effective defensive first baseman (5 OAA, .997 Fld% for the season), and ranks in the 95th percentile in baserunning value among all players, as per Baseball Savant.

On June 27, Harper was announced as the starting first baseman for the NL All-Star team, leading in votes after the first phase of fan balloting. This marks his eighth All-Star selection, placing him among a select group of superstars who have started the All-Star Game in three different positions (OF, DH, 1B).

However, Harper's hamstring injury will sideline him until at least July 9, threatening his ability to participate in the All-Star Game. Despite injuries, slow starts, and global pandemics, Harper has not played in an All-Star Game since 2018.

While Harper appeared in six All-Star Games during his seven seasons with the Nationals, he has yet to participate in one as a Phillie. Still, he remains one of the most eminent players of his generation.

Silver Medal Hitter of the Month: Shohei Ohtani, LAD

June stats: 122 PA, 12 HR, 26 R, 24 RBI, .293/.413/.697, 202 wRC+, 3 SB, 1.6 fWAR

It might come as a surprise that Shohei Ohtani is only the silver medalist for June, given that he experienced the best month of his season – and potentially one of the best of his career.

Last month, Ohtani tallied 26 runs, 24 RBIs, 12 home runs, and drew 20 walks, achieving a 202 wRC+. The only other month in his career that surpassed these figures was June of the previous year, which stands as one of the most remarkable months for any hitter in recent history.

As the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani led NL batters in home runs and runs scored and was tied for the league lead in RBIs for June. He ranked first among qualified batters in isolated power, second in slugging percentage, third in wRC+, and fourth in fWAR.

While Bryce Harper has surpassed Ohtani's performance over the past two months, Ohtani remains the favorite for the NL MVP due to his stellar performance in April. He also has an opportunity to close the gap in July as Harper recovers on the injured list.

Should Ohtani clinch his third MVP Award this November, he would become only the second player to win the accolade in both leagues.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.

Download the SportsGrid App

Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Bronze Medal Hitter of the Month: CJ Abrams, WSH

June stats: 97 PA, 4 HR, 18 R, 16 RBI, .373/.464/.663, 215 wRC+, 6 SB, 1.4 fWAR

The Washington Nationals shortstop, already having a breakout season, just capped off the best month of his young career.

CJ Abrams led the National League with a .464 OBP in June and was among the top three in all three triple-slash categories among qualified NL batters. His .479 wOBA and 215 wRC+ were second only to Harper.

While his defense at shortstop could improve and his baserunning has been less than stellar this season, especially compared to his 47 steals in 51 attempts in 2023, his exceptional hitting more than compensates.

The Bronze Medal has become a way to recognize breakout stars of 2024. 

Just Missed the Podium: Fernando Tatis Jr., SDP

June stats: 82 PA, 5 HR, 13 R, 7 RBI, .365/.427/.635, 205 wRC+, 2 SB, 1.2 fWAR

Fernando Tatis Jr. experienced a stress reaction in his right leg last week, which placed him on the IL for the remainder of the first half of the season. Consequently, he participated in just 20 of the San Diego Padres’ 28 games last month, and his 82 plate appearances were not sufficient for the right fielder to qualify for rate stat leaderboards in June.

Despite this, Tatis's performance on the field was so impressive that it deserved recognition. His 205 wRC+ was the third highest in the NL (min. 60 PA), and he ranked 12th in fWAR despite having significantly fewer plate appearances than those ranked above him.

Additionally, Tatis led NL batters (min. 20 PA) with a .469 xwOBA in June.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.