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Ranking the top 50 MLB players for 2024: Is Shohei Ohtani still No. 1?

Over the past few weeks, I have been ranking the top 50 MLB players on “Flippin’ Bats.” And now, we are finally down to my top five.

All of these guys either won or were finalists for an MVP over the past few seasons — and deservedly so. They are the best of the best.

Without further ado, let’s get rolling!

5. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

2023 stats: .307/.408/.579, 39 home runs, 107 RBIs, 8.3 WAR

The plaudits of Betts are self-evident. He has achieved the title of World Series champion twice, has been a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award in both the National and American Leagues (and won the AL MVP), has been selected as an All Star seven times, and has been chosen as a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner six times. He have the ability to perform all tasks required by the Dodgers. Undoubtedly, I anticipate that Betts will experience a significant year in 2024, as that is characteristic of Mookie Betts’ performance. He is coming off a year in which he achieved a batting average of over .300, exceeded 100 runs batted in, and came close to hitting 40 home runs. 

This season, Betts will assume the role of the Dodgers’ permanent second baseman. One would have concerns about transitioning to that position from the outfield with someone else, but Betts began his career in the minor leagues as a second baseman for the Red Sox. Furthermore, we witnessed him execute exceptional defensive plays at that position in Los Angeles last year, demonstrating his ability to perform at a Gold Glove level. Indeed, Betts, despite being 31 years of age, achieved the notable distinction of becoming the runner-up for the NL MVP award in 2023. He still has ample reserves of energy and is poised for another significant season ahead.

4. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

2023 stats: .267/.406/.613, 37 home runs, 75 RBI, 4.5 WAR

Judge is the linchpin of the present Yankees club, as evidenced by the unfortunate incident last year at Dodger Stadium when his toe was severely injured after colliding with the wall, which significantly disrupted New York’s entire season. I express my optimism that my prediction of Judge experiencing a complete and robust 2024 season comes true, considering his absence for about two months in the previous season. Nevertheless, his ultimate figures remained exceptional, particularly his rate statistics. If he manages to participate in almost all 162 games this year, I anticipate that the performance of the Yankees’ captain will roughly mirror his exceptional MVP season in 2022.

Did Mookie Betts put an extra target on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ back?

3. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

2023 stats: .327/.390/.623, 33 home runs, 96 RBI, 6.9 WAR

Despite Seager’s remarkable achievement of winning his second career World Series MVP and playing a crucial role in the Rangers’ first-ever club victory, it is important to remember that he also faced a significant amount of time off last season due to injury. Prior to October, his performance was exceptional, as seen by his impressive statistics, such as a 1.013 OPS and leading the American League with 43 doubles, despite being absent for 43 games.

Seager is widely regarded as the premier shortstop in baseball and is recognized as one of the most exceptional hitters in the sport. He will demonstrate this once more in 2024.

2. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

2023 stats: .304/.412/.654, 44 home runs, 95 RBI, 10.0 WAR 

I am aware that this statement may come as a surprise to certain individuals. If there is one thing you know about me, it is my profound admiration for Ohtani and my belief that he is the preeminent player of this period. He has been awarded the title of unanimous Most Valuable Player twice due to his exceptional performance and abilities.

Merely a year ago, Ohtani was on track to achieve the most exceptional season witnessed thus far, surpassing his previous record-breaking season in 2021. During his time at the plate, he achieved a batting average of over .300 and would have surpassed 50 (perhaps even 60) home runs and 100 RBIs if he had not suffered a ruptured UCL and oblique injuries in late August. He maintained his position at the top of MLB with a 1.066 OPS. In addition, he had a record of 10 wins and 5 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.14. Furthermore, he demonstrated an impressive ability to strike out 11.4 batters per nine innings, and he achieved the second-lowest batting average against (.184) among all players in the major leagues.

Despite being limited to the role of designated hitter this season due to his ongoing recovery from UCL surgery, I anticipate Ohtani to exhibit his renowned prowess as a formidable hitter. In my opinion, he has the potential to achieve a total of 60 home runs during his inaugural season with the Dodgers. I am confident that he possesses the ability to effortlessly achieve 120 runs while driving. Ohtani will benefit from having Betts and Freddie Freeman batting before him, since this will provide him with a greater number of opportunities to drive in runs compared to his time with the Los Angeles Angels. In my opinion, he has the ability to successfully steal 30 bases and achieve an On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) score exceeding 1.000 once more. 

Despite undergoing offseason surgery, Ohtani possesses the ability to perform all of those tasks, which is why he still ranks as the second best option on my list, albeit in a restricted capacity. The sole factor preventing him from being ranked first on my list is his absence from pitching in 2024.

Who’s the best player in MLB right now?

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1. Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves

2023 stats: .337/.416/.596, 41 HR, 106 RBI, 8.2 WAR

In the whole history of Major League Baseball, there exists just a solitary individual who has achieved the remarkable feat of hitting over 40 home runs and stealing more than 70 bases in a single season. Acuña had an impressive performance last year, hitting 41 home runs and stealing 73 bases, which led to his being unanimously named the National League Most Valuable Player. Acuña’s impressive 1.012 OPS placed him among a select group of three players, including Seager and Ohtani, who finished the season with an OPS above 1.000. Additionally, he ranked second in MLB in batting average, boasting an impressive .337. 

I am really fond of Acuña’s style of play. As indicated by the title of my program, I have a strong affinity for individuals who derive enjoyment from participating in the game, and Acuña surpasses nearly all others in terms of the level of enjoyment he exhibits. He incessantly provokes opposition pitchers and players in the dugout. In 2023, he ranked first in baseball in stolen bases, on-base percentage (.416), runs scored (149), and hits (217). Securing consecutive MVP titles is a challenging feat for any individual, but I firmly feel that Acuña has a strong chance of achieving it this year.

I am completely unaware of how Acuña will manage to surpass his remarkable 40-70 season. However, I am eagerly anticipating observing his actions, which is why I consider him to be the top player in baseball for the year 2024.

Here’s my full list:

50. J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies

49. Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs48. Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins

47. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

46. Max Fried, Atlanta Braves

45. Corbin Burnes, Milwaukee Brewers

44. Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners

43. Cody Bellinger, free agent

42. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals

41. Pete Alonso, New York Mets

40. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

39. Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks

38. Alex Bregman, Houston Astros

37. Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres

36. Blake Snell, free agent

35. Justin Verlander, Houston Astros

34. José Altuve, Houston Astros

33. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

32. Luis Arráez, Miami Marlins

31. Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays

30. Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox

29. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles

28. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres

27. Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals

26. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

25. Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves

24. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox

23. Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays

22. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

21. Adolis García, Texas Rangers

20. José Ramírez, Cleveland Guardians

19. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers

18. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves

17. Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves

16. Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks

15. Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees

14. Fernando Tatís Jr., San Diego Padres

13. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies

12. Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros

11. Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners

10. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

9. Yordan Álvarez, Houston Astros

8. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers

7. Juan Soto, New York Yankees

6. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies

5. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

4. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

3. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

2. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

1. Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves