As the Major League Baseball season wraps up, several notable achievements and developments have emerged, illuminating both historic milestones and future uncertainties in the league. At the top of the list, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched victory in the World Series, once again demonstrating their dominance and solidifying their status as a powerhouse in baseball.
Among the individual standouts, Juan Soto continues to shine as an extraordinary talent. Since bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 19, Soto has consistently proven himself as one of the game's elite hitters. Remarkably, he has never finished a season with an OPS+ below 140, underscoring his prowess at the plate. As he matures, the expectations surrounding Soto only continue to grow, setting the stage for what promises to be a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Citing outstanding pitching performances, Corbin Burnes deserves recognition for making four consecutive trips to the All-Star Game, establishing himself as one of the premier pitchers in the National League. Equally impressive is Blake Snell, who has captured the Cy Young Award twice, a testament to his dominant presence on the mound. Meanwhile, Max Fried, though surpassing the 180-inning threshold only once, remains a critical asset to his team's rotation.
The pitching scene also includes intriguing narratives such as Luis Severino, who made a commendable return to form by starting 20 or more times last year, a feat he last achieved in 2018. Veteran Charlie Morton is contemplating his future in the sport, as he deliberates returning for what would be his 18th season, adding suspense to his storied career.
Pitching depth was further highlighted by Clayton Kershaw, renowned for his once-in-a-lifetime skill set, which includes three or four above-average pitches that continue to command the admiration of fans and players alike. Additionally, Michael Lorenzen stands out with his unique arsenal of seven pitches, offering versatility and unexpected challenges to opposing batters.
The report wouldn't be complete without discussing the slugging achievements. Anthony Santander made headlines by hitting 40 home runs this past season, bolstering his reputation as one of the league's foremost power hitters. Following suit in terms of personal milestones, Joc Pederson reached a career-high by posting a 151 OPS+, illustrating his growth as a formidable offensive threat.
Pete Alonso has become synonymous with power, consistently crossing the 30-home run mark multiple times in full seasons, solidifying his name among baseball's elite sluggers. In a similar vein, Teoscar Hernández delivered remarkable performances in four of the last five seasons, demonstrating consistency that is prized in today's competitive environment. Christian Walker also deserves mention, contributing significant on-base and slugging capabilities across the past three seasons.
In contrast, the season was not without its setbacks. Max Scherzer was restricted to a mere nine starts due to injury—a major hit for a pitcher of his caliber. Similarly, Shane Bieber's season was abruptly ended when he underwent Tommy John surgery in April, a procedure that cast doubts over his immediate future in the sport. Ha-Seong Kim will also face an uncertain road to recovery as he requires shoulder surgery, ruling him out for the upcoming season.
Sean Manaea, however, managed to end his season on a high note, recording a 3.41 ERA and a 4.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his final 11 appearances, showcasing his potential as a reliable starter. Meanwhile, Nick Martinez has opted to explore free agency after declining a $12 million player option, suggesting a potential change of scenery in the next baseball chapter.
In a season where unpredictability seemed to be the only constant, Jesse Winker and Kevin Newman experienced fluctuating fortunes in their performances. Meanwhile, seasoned slugger Paul Goldschmidt suffered a dip below an OPS+ of 100, a surprising low for the usually reliable hitter.
As the baseball world reflects on a season marked by incredible highlights and unforeseen challenges, fans and analysts alike already anticipate the drama and excitement that the next season promises to deliver.