MLB 2024 Highlights: Shohei Ohtani’s MVP Pursuit, Contract Conundrums, Paul Skenes’ Breakout, and More

MLB 2024 is almost at the halfway point, and it has been a season for the ages thus far. There have been so many twists and turns that it’s become impossible to keep up with what’s happening in this league. From Shohei Ohtani’s awe-inspiring MVP pursuit to Aaron Judge’s mind-bending dominance to the ever-present drama of contract negotiations, the league has been buzzing with excitement. Here’s a glimpse of what’s going on (and what may be yet to come) around the league.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Ohtani, minus his pitching self because of offseason elbow surgery, has somehow only gotten better as a hitter this year. The Japanese phenom continues to defy logic every time he steps on a baseball field. He has been leading the National League in slugging percentage (.607), OPS (1.000), and total bases (136) entering June. Yes, you read that right. Shohei Ohtani did that while also working as a full-time designated hitter for the Blue Crew. Mark DeRosa might have taken part in giving him his “Unicorn” moniker during the WBC, but there really isn’t another word to describe him.

His exceptional batting profile, filled with more “100s” than “Stephen Hawking taking an elementary school math test,” as MLB quips, underscores his value even without his pitching prowess. His 3.1 WAR, according to Baseball Reference, trails only teammate Mookie Betts’ (3.6), making him a very realistic candidate for his third MVP trophy.

Across the continent, the New York Yankees are defying preseason predictions. Despite injuries to key players like Gerrit Cole and passing on high-profile free agents like Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, and Blake Snell, the Bombers’ season is now seeing them sit atop the American League. The team’s success is a testament to astute trades, like acquiring Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, and player development, as evidenced by Luis Gil’s emergence as a reliable starter. Aaron Judge, after a slow start in April, roared back in May with a historic performance, smashing 14 home runs and setting a Statcast Era record with 32 barrels in a single month. His teammate Juan Soto, acquired in a blockbuster trade, also had an impressive May, solidifying the Yankees’ dynamic duo as frontrunners for the AL MVP award.

In the National League, the Atlanta Braves are grappling with the loss of two key players. Reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace pitcher Spencer Strider are both out for MLB 2024 season with injuries. While their absence is a significant blow, the Braves’ pitching staff, bolstered by offseason additions Chris Sale and Reynaldo López, has been a bright spot, with a combined team ERA of 3.44 and 6.9 WAR through May.

However, they face a formidable challenge in the Philadelphia Phillies, who have defied expectations to lead the NL East with an impressive 41-18 record, fueled by strong pitching and offensive contributions from players like J.T. Realmuto, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber.

Contract negotiations and player options are always a hot topic in MLB, and this season is no different. Several players—including 3 of the Boras-Four—who signed shorter-term contracts with player options, hoping to secure more lucrative deals in the future, now face pivotal decisions. Bellinger, after being non-tendered by the Dodgers in 2022, has rebounded with the Chicago Cubs. However, questions about his power and defense remain, and he’ll need to continue his strong performance to maximize his value in the upcoming free-agent market.

Jordan Montgomery wants to prove that he can be a top-of-the-rotation starter who deserves something more than Eduardo Rodriguez’s deal ($80 million over four years). Once upon a time, having such goals was laughable for the D-backs’ starter, but Montgomery has yet to have a great season in Arizona since turning from their Fall Classic rivals, the Texas Rangers, last free-agency period—which will be crucial to getting that contract of dreams.

The Kansas City Royals being competitive this year should be its own storyline altogether. Kansas currently sits second in the American League Central because of—among other things—Bobby Witt Jr.’s breakout season at shortstop. Witt is slashing .314/.368/.544 with nine home runs and 17 stolen bases, and his stellar defense at shortstop has earned him Gold Glove consideration.

Veteran catcher Salvador Perez’s resurgence as an All-Star middle-of-the-order bat and mentor for the young position-player core while hitting .315 with 10 home runs speaks plenty for itself. However, the Royals’ success has been tempered by the struggles of outfielder Hunter Renfroe (60 OPS+) and reliever Chris Stratton (6.00 ERA), who may face difficult decisions regarding their player options for 2025.

MLB 2024: Contract Conundrums and Free-Agent Market

Paul Skenes is becoming an absolute force on the mound for Pittsburgh. In just four starts, Skenes has displayed overpowering stuff, including a triple-digit fastball and a devastating splitter. His performance has drawn comparisons to Jacob deGrom, and he’s already being touted as a potential Cy Young Award contender. If Skenes keeps up this performance, he’ll be vying for NL Cy Young consideration, further fueling playoff aspirations for a Pirates team that’s currently occupying the top NL Wild Card spot with 32-24 to their name for the season.

The D-backs’ pitching staff is struggling mightily to keep up with its potent offense. Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, and Joc Pederson have provided plenty of thump in Arizona’s lineup this season, but the pitchers simply aren’t getting it done. With a team ERA of 4.33, the Diamondbacks will need their rotation to step up if they hope to make a playoff push. Montgomery, a key offseason acquisition, has been a disappointment thus far, posting a 5.48 ERA in eight starts.

The upcoming MLB 2024 game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, promises to be a historic event. This special contest will be the first AL/NL game played in Alabama, and it will take place at the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. The game will also honor the Negro Leagues, with both teams wearing throwback uniforms and several former Negro Leagues players expected to be in attendance.

Other players with player options for 2025, such as Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea, and Rhys Hoskins, will also be closely watched, as their performances this season will heavily influence their decisions. Chapman, with his exceptional defense at third base and consistent offensive production, is likely to command a lucrative multi-year deal if he opts out.

Manaea, who has been a bright spot for the struggling New York Mets, could also secure a significant raise on the free-agent market. Hoskins, despite missing time with a hamstring injury, has been productive for the Milwaukee Brewers and may opt for a longer-term deal with another team.

As we continue through the MLB 2024 season, these stories are sure to keep us enthralled. The MVP races, contract choices, and playoff fights are all going to happen dramatically and tell us why baseball truly is America’s favorite pastime. Whether it be Shohei Ohtani chasing history, the Yankees hunting down another title, or young stars like Paul Skenes breaking out, this MLB season is set up to be one of the all-time favorites across history.