To say that Major League Baseball 2024 was an iconic year for baseball would be an understatement. From the New York Yankees making it to the World Series for the first time since 2009 to the LA Dodgers winning the World Series in such a short span, this year has seen several key moments. But among all, a few names in MLB demand special attention: Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman, and, well, not for the right reasons, Ippei Mizuhara.

Shohei Ohtani’s—opening the doors to MLB’s 50-50 club

When Shohei Ohtani signed with the LA Dodgers for a whopping $700 million, it made eyes roll. Most deemed the Dodgers shortsighted, given it was a decade-long contract! However, Ohtani proved why he is well worth that money and more; he opened the 50-50 club, which even the baseball greats couldn’t enter. In his first-ever postseason, Ohtani even went on to WS and even clinched the title—how many players have done that?

Moreover, as for that $700 million the Dodgers spent on his contract, the team has earned it back in just a year! Shocked? Well, Forbes noted the Dodgers were valued at $4.8 billion last year and are now valued at $5.5 billion—a neat $700 million jump, and Ohtani has plenty to do with this. From jersey sales to sold-out tickets, he contributed an A+ performance. And as if the year couldn’t get better, Ohtani is ending the year welcoming a new member to his family—the 30-year-old and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, recently announced they are expecting a baby!

The New York Yankees’ epic AL East win

The Yankees turned the Bronx into a party scene after they clinched the AL East title. They won in an iconic way against the Baltimore Orioles; Giancarlo Stanton came in big time with a homer and four RBIs, and Gerrit Cole locked it on the mound. Judge hit his 58th home run. The team was caught celebrating after the win, with champagne spraying everywhere, and why wouldn’t they? It wasn’t just another win.

With that victory, the New York Yankees earned their 21st Division crown, a first-round bye, and a home-field advantage for the ALDS. Plus, they made it into the record books with their 59th postseason appearance—the most in MLB’s history. The team also ended up going to the World Series later on, a dream that has been in the making since 2009. Even though they did not win, the Yankees did end a decade-long drought.

Ippei Mizuhara’s fiasco rocked the MLB

Coming to a sadder moment in the 2024 MLB calendar, Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was caught in a theft scandal. Ohtani is an international player, so all communications went through Mizuhara, building mutual respect and trust between the two. However, at the very beginning of the year, the baseball world was shaken when Mizuhara admitted to stealing $17 million from the LA star. He is currently facing federal charges of felony bank fraud and a false tax return.

Reportedly, in over two years, Mizuhara had funneled millions from Ohtani’s accounts to fuel gambling, impersonating Ohtani at least 24 times while contacting the bank. He even claimed personal expenses like a $60,000 dental bill, highlighting the depth of the betrayal that shocked MLB fans. This incident raised further concerns about the vulnerability that international players face.

It wasn’t just a financial theft for Ohtani but a personal and professional violation. In fact, he was just recently back in court, even during the off-season, to claim his items that were seized by the government during the confiscation from his interpreter.

Juan Soto’s never-before-seen contract

Never in MLB did anyone get a whopping $765 million, except now. Juan Soto signed that contract with the New York Mets. Plus, he was offered almost the same number by the Yankees—$760 million—two major teams offering him numbers north of $700 spoke volumes about Soto’s caliber. And if that wasn’t enough, the perks listed on the contract became the cherry on top.

Steve Cohen, the Mets owner, left no stone unturned to make the deal as delicious as possible—a suite for Soto, premium seats for his family, and also, security services. Plus, he got a great signing bonus and even the option of an opt-out in case things don’t end up working with the New York Mets. While Soto did get a lot of flak for choosing money over the team, who can blame him? Even Alex Rodriguez got the same flak back in the day, and Ohtani’s contract was scrutinized too.

Sep 1, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) tosses his helmet after flying out to end the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY SportsJuan Soto performed to his best this year; he has been to the World Series twice now, and he is just 26, which gives him years of his prime still left. Thus, this deal became a 2024 milestone, not just for Soto but also for his agent Scott Boras, who tried their best and got it. After all, this signing marked a number that will be hard to touch for anyone next season.

And while the above were some players who made this year iconic, they weren’t the only ones. Who can forget what Freddie Freeman did this year? From personal to physical, he fought through everything to perform like a star in the World Series. Freeman went through four daily hours of prep work to return to the field; his motivation to march forward? Freddie credited it all to his father, who taught him always to ‘show up’. And so he did, in such a way that won him the MVP award.

What was your favorite moment of the 2024 MLB season? Let us know your answers below.