The 2024 MLB season is just around the corner, and projections for the upcoming campaign are already making waves. While we eagerly await for the action to unfold on the field, we can take a closer look at some standout statistical projections that could potentially rewrite the record books for several players.
When examining projections from FanGraphs’ Steamer system, it becomes clear that there are multiple hitters whose projected numbers would set or tie records in the upcoming season.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout projections for the 2024 MLB season:
Juan Soto, projected to lead the Major Leagues with a wRC+ of 171 and a walk rate of 19.4%, could potentially join a prestigious group of players with the most such seasons until their age 25 season, including names like Mike Trout, Mickey Mantle, Mel Ott, and Ty Cobb.
Soto, who would be wearing a Yankees uniform, is also projected to lead all qualified hitters in wRC+, joining a select group of Yankees who achieved this feat, such as Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Alex Rodriguez, Lou Gehrig, Aaron Judge, and Don Mattingly.
Speaking of Aaron Judge, he is projected to be third in WAR among position players, with Soto coming in second, making them a historic pairing. The last time two Yankee position players finished in the top two spots in WAR in the same year was in 1942.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is projected to hit 38 home runs and steal 56 bases, potentially making him the first player with multiple 30-50 seasons and the first player with three 30-30 years until his age 26 season.
Bobby Witt Jr. is the only player in Major League history to have at least 20 homers and 30 steals in each of the first two seasons of his career, making his projected 30 home runs and 42 stolen bases quite historic.
Julio Rodríguez is projected to extend his streak of 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in each of the first two seasons of his career to three by hitting 33 home runs and stealing 31 bases.
Adley Rutschman is projected to rank fifth among position players in WAR, with a career-high 5.8, as a catcher, making him the only catcher since 1900 with at least 5.0 WAR in each of his first two seasons in the Major Leagues.
Kyle Schwarber is projected to lead the National League with 42 home runs and rank second in the majors, potentially making him one of only three players with at least 40 home runs in each of their first three seasons with a team.
As we gear up for the 2024 MLB season, these statistical projections hint at the potential for a historic year for several players. The baseball world eagerly anticipates how this projection season will unfold once the players take the field.