Examining MLB projections ahead of the season to identify standout performers is always enjoyable. As we delve into the 2024 season, it’s the perfect moment to spotlight players whose statistics capture attention. Using FanGraphs’ Depth Charts projections, let’s focus on ten players – five hitters and five pitchers – with noteworthy projections for the upcoming season.
Title: “Top Performers to Watch in MLB 2024: Hitters and Pitchers with Impressive Projections”
Introduction:
Analyzing MLB projections for the upcoming season adds excitement as we anticipate standout performances. The spotlight is on the 2024 season, exploring players whose projected stats demand attention using FanGraphs’ Depth Charts.
Hitters:
1. Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves: .318 AVG, 37 HR, 55 SB, 7.3 WAR
Starting with the reigning National League MVP, Acuña is poised for another remarkable season, projected to lead in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and potentially secure back-to-back MVP titles.
2. Juan Soto, Yankees: 39 HR, 132 BB to 110 K, 171 wRC+, 6.8 WAR
The Yankees’ new sensation, Soto, emerges as the projected American League MVP, showcasing prowess as the top pure hitter with an exceptional Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+).
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays: 36 HR, 144 wRC+, 99 K in 154 G
The 2024 projections express confidence in Guerrero’s resurgence, foreseeing a significant improvement from the previous season and positioning him as one of the top hitters in the league.
4. Jung Hoo Lee, Giants: .291 AVG, 116 wRC+, 9.1% strikeout rate
The Giants’ offseason signing, Lee, draws parallels to past successes in projections, with high expectations for his impact as a contact hitter in the MLB.
5. Wyatt Langford, Rangers: 121 wRC+, 16 HR and 10 SB in 97 G
Despite being a rookie, Langford emerges as the standout hitter in the 2024 projections, with high expectations for immediate impact, potentially adding to the Rangers’ rising stars.
Pitchers:
1. Spencer Strider, Braves: 15-7, 3.18 ERA, 257 K
Strider’s elite strikeout abilities are highlighted in projections, with the Braves’ ace potentially achieving an MLB Triple Crown in wins, ERA, and strikeouts.
2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers: 200 K in 184 IP
The Dodgers’ new ace, Yamamoto, is expected to make a significant impact in his debut season, aiming for the coveted 200-strikeout milestone.
3. Tarik Skubal, Tigers: 3.34 ERA, 198 K, 4.0 WAR
Skubal’s strong performance towards the end of the previous season propels him into the spotlight, projecting him as a top-10 pitcher with an impressive ERA.
4. Carlos Rodón, Yankees: 3.79 ERA, 194 K in 163 IP (10.7 K/9)
Rodón’s projections suggest a notable comeback season, aiming to reestablish himself as a co-ace for the Yankees after a challenging 2023.
5. Edwin Díaz, Mets: 35 SV, 2.78 ERA, 95 K in 64 IP (13.4 K/9), 36.7% strikeout rate
Returning to the Mets’ closer role, Díaz is expected to resume his dominant form, projecting to lead the Majors in saves and showcasing impressive strikeout rates.
