Ranking the Top 10 Hitters in MLB: May 2024

10. Bobby Witt Jr. - Kansas City Royals

2024 Stats: 187 plate appearances, .298/.366/.509, 5 HR, .377 wOBA, 142 wRC+

Seeing Bobby Witt Jr. in person this season at Kauffman Stadium highlights his impressive speed, with 15 steals already in 2024.

But don't think he's just a speedster; Witt has developed into a well-rounded hitter.

Last season, he was worth nearly 6.0 fWAR and became the first player in Royals history to achieve a 30-30 season (30 homers, 30 steals). At just 23 years old, Witt hasn't even reached his prime yet, which is an exciting prospect. He’s on track for another 30-30 campaign this year, maintaining offensive production well above the league average for a Kansas City team that has exceeded expectations so far.

This post by Seth Carlson appeared first on Just Baseball.

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2. Mookie Betts - Los Angeles Dodgers

2024 Stats: 204 plate appearances, .345/.441/.563, 7 HR, .438 wOBA, 188 wRC+

It's no surprise to see Mookie Betts ranked this high on our power rankings.

The Dodgers’ outfielder-turned-middle infielder consistently ranks among baseball’s best hitters each year. The only question now is whether Betts can surpass his exceptional 2018 MVP season. Even if he falls short of that mark, he's well on his way to securing a second MVP title.

3. Juan Soto - New York Yankees

2024 stats: 196 plate appearances, .313/.413/.534, 9 HR, .412 wOBA, 172 wRC+

A trade to the New York Yankees has rejuvenated Juan Soto in 2024, making him look right at home under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium. While Soto wasn't bad as a San Diego Padre, something seemed off during his time with the Friars. Perhaps it was being surrounded by other superstars or his discomfort with playing out west.

Regardless, Soto's early performance in 2024 has been outstanding, and the Yankees' success will largely depend on him. 

4. Marcell Ozuna - Atlanta Braves

2024 Stats: 164 plate appearances, .329/.409/.629, 12 HR, .444 wOBA, 189 wRC+

Marcell Ozuna has been a solid player for a long time, but he's clearly reached a new level in 2024.

The Braves' lineup has been missing some of its power at times this season. Despite this, Ozuna has been a consistent force when Atlanta has needed one.

The 33-year-old ranks second in all of MLB with a 1.038 OPS, trailing only Shohei Ohtani. His 12 home runs also rank second. 

It's daunting to think about the Braves' lineup finding its groove again. When they do, Ozuna will undoubtedly be at the center of it all.

5. Kyle Tucker - Houston Astros

2024 Stats: 183 plate appearances, .278/.401/.596, 13 HR, .428 wOBA, 182 wRC+

The Houston Astros have had a surprisingly disappointing start to 2024, but that hasn’t stopped Kyle Tucker from excelling.

Tucker entered the league with immense potential, though it often seemed he hadn't fully realized it, despite consistently strong statistics. This has made him one of baseball's more underrated players.

However, 2024 appears to be a breakthrough year for Tucker. He ranks fourth in MLB in OPS (.997) and currently leads the league in home runs (13). If this is the year Tucker solidifies himself as one of the top five hitters in the game, Houston's struggles may soon be a thing of the past.

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6. Gunnar Henderson - Baltimore Orioles

2024 Stats: 180 plate appearances, .264/.339/.553, 12 HR, .382 wOBA, 152 wRC+

The Baltimore Orioles selected Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson in the first two rounds of the 2019 MLB Draft. Rutschman has become one of the game’s top catchers, while Henderson frequently appears on top player lists.

It’s quite remarkable. Henderson won the American League Rookie of the Year Award last year and is a strong early contender for MVP honors in 2024. If he wins the MVP, the 22-year-old would be just the sixth player in MLB history to achieve both awards within his first two seasons.

In other words, it won’t be long before Henderson secures a top-five spot on these rankings and maintains it.

7. William Contreras - Milwaukee Brewers

2024 Stats: 191 plate appearances, .352/.429/.521, 5 HR, .415 wOBA, 171 wRC+

It’s time to start giving William Contreras the recognition he deserves. He has firmly stepped out of his brother Willson’s shadow and emerged as a legitimate budding star for the Milwaukee Brewers.

We always knew the younger Contreras had talent, but 2024 has been his breakout year. Contreras leads all catchers in batting average (.352), on-base percentage (.429), doubles (13), and OPS (.950). These numbers place him among the league’s top hitters overall, not just at his position. The fact that he excels as a catcher, a position that typically lacks strong hitters, makes his accomplishments even more impressive.

8. Alec Bohm - Philadelphia Phillies

2024 Stats: 175 plate appearances, .333/.400/.526, 4 HR, .397 wOBA, 162 wRC+

Alec Bohm has always been a capable hitter, but in 2024, the Phillies’ third baseman has taken his game to new heights.

In a lineup packed with stars, Bohm has emerged as the standout player for the team with baseball’s best record. His rise is especially timely as the Phillies need the rest of the lineup to step up while Trea Turner deals with an injury.

Although he’s never been known for his power, it doesn’t matter because Bohm has developed into one of baseball’s most well-rounded hitters.

9. Elly De La Cruz - Cincinnati Reds

2024 Stats: 169 plate appearances, .260/.362/.500, 9 HR, .378 wOBA, 141 wRC+

When you think of Elly De La Cruz, hitting might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, you likely think of his raw tools—elite speed and immense power—that make the young Cincinnati Reds shortstop one of the most exciting players to watch in baseball today.

However, De La Cruz has made significant strides in 2024 as he aims to become a more well-rounded hitter.

Strikeouts remain a notable issue in De La Cruz’s game (he's still striking out 32% of the time, only slightly improved from his 33.7% strikeout rate in 2023).

Despite this, his overall offensive production hasn't suffered yet this season (though it could). He currently boasts a well-above-average 144 wRC+, and his nine home runs highlight his undeniable power. At 22 years old, De La Cruz may never hit for a high average, but with his unique skill set, he doesn't need to. When he's at his best, De La Cruz’s performance speaks for itself, and that's what we've seen in 2024.

10. Bobby Witt Jr. - Kansas City Royals

2024 Stats: 187 plate appearances, .298/.366/.509, 5 HR, .377 wOBA, 142 wRC+

Seeing Bobby Witt Jr. in person this season at Kauffman Stadium highlights his impressive speed, with 15 steals already in 2024.

But don't think he's just a speedster; Witt has developed into a well-rounded hitter.

Last season, he was worth nearly 6.0 fWAR and became the first player in Royals history to achieve a 30-30 season (30 homers, 30 steals). At just 23 years old, Witt hasn't even reached his prime yet, which is an exciting prospect. He’s on track for another 30-30 campaign this year, maintaining offensive production well above the league average for a Kansas City team that has exceeded expectations so far.

This post by Seth Carlson appeared first on Just Baseball.

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