1. Aaron Judge could be on track to hit 60 home runs
With the MLB season being a 162-game marathon, it’s still early days, and there’s a long road ahead. However, after around 12 games, certain standout performances are starting to catch the eye.
One such standout is Aaron Judge, who is leading MLB in OPS and tied for the lead in home runs with six. After a slow start in 2024, Judge finished the season with 58 homers and a 1.158 OPS, earning his second AL MVP Award. If he maintains his current pace, we could be witnessing another historic season from the Yankees star.
Judge has consistently hit over 52 homers in seasons where he played at least 150 games, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with at the plate. If he can stay healthy, there’s no telling what records he might break this season.
2. Wilyer Abreu shines for the Red Sox
While the Red Sox made some impressive offseason acquisitions, it’s right fielder Wilyer Abreu who has made the biggest impact so far. With a strong rookie season in 2024, Abreu has started the current season hot, showcasing an OPS over 1.200, three homers, and solid defensive skills.
Abreu’s performance at the plate has been a highlight, and his improved batting has not gone unnoticed. With talented prospects waiting in the wings, Abreu is seizing his opportunities and proving to be a valuable asset for Boston.
3. The NL West heats up early
The NL West has emerged as one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, with the Padres and Giants making strong starts. While the Dodgers initially struggled after an 8-0 start, they remain a powerhouse when healthy.
With the Diamondbacks also showing promise, the NL West promises intense competition throughout the season. The division is stacked with talent, and every game will be a battle for supremacy.
4. Braves falter out of the gate
The Braves, expected to contend in the NL East, have stumbled to a 3-9 start. Missing key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, the team’s offense has struggled, putting them in a challenging position early on.
While there’s still time to turn things around, the Braves need to find their rhythm quickly to avoid falling further behind in a competitive division.
5. Kyren Paris emerges as a breakout star
Angels infielder Kyren Paris has been the surprise of the season so far, leading his team with five homers and an impressive OPS. After a tough debut season, Paris has shown significant improvement and is making a strong case to be a regular in the lineup.
His early success has been remarkable, with comparisons to legendary hitters like Jimmie Foxx and Babe Ruth. As Paris continues to shine, the Angels will have a valuable asset in their lineup moving forward.