After a relatively quiet start to the 2024 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have suddenly emerged as serious contenders.
With an impressive 17-5 record since the All-Star break, the D-backs have narrowed the gap to just 3.5 games behind the leading Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. Their success can be attributed to their collective hitting prowess.
While players like Corbin Carroll and Joc Pederson have made significant contributions, it’s their second baseman, Ketel Marte, who has been the driving force behind Arizona’s performance this season.
Marte has been a standout player for the Diamondbacks, showcasing a rare combination of power and on-base skills. His recent stellar performances have even sparked discussions about his potential to challenge the frontrunner for NL MVP, Shohei Ohtani. ESPN’s David Schoenfield explored this possibility in a recent article.
“Marte may not reach Ohtani’s 40/40 milestone, but his key defensive role at second base sets him apart. A full-time DH like Ohtani has never won the MVP award,” Schoenfield pointed out.
In his prime at age 30, Marte has elevated his game to new heights this season. He earned his second All-Star selection, boasts a career-best .932 OPS, and is on track to surpass his previous home run record with 30 homers already by mid-August.
Marte gained recognition during the 2023 postseason, setting a new record with a 20-game hitting streak. Although the streak ended in the World Series, where the Texas Rangers defeated the Diamondbacks, Marte’s impressive performance has continued into this season.
Schoenfield also highlighted Marte’s higher bWAR compared to Ohtani, 6.1 to 5.8. The outcome of the MVP race may hinge on whether the Diamondbacks can overtake Ohtani and the Dodgers in the standings.
Regardless of the MVP outcome, Marte’s rapid ascent in the league is undeniable. If he maintains his dominance in the postseason, the Diamondbacks could be on track to complete their quest for a World Series title.
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