With the first half of the 2024 MLB season coming to a close last week and the second half just getting underway this weekend, it’s time to take a moment to reflect on each team’s most valuable player thus far. While most got the credit they deserved with an all star selection, it’s still important to dive deeper into just how pivotal each player on this list has been to their team.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Ketel Marte 2B
Ketel Marte has been having an incredible season so far for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 93 games played, Marte has recorded a slashline of .295/.365/.515 with an OPS+ of 148. Marte slugged 19 home runs and doubles as well, while recording a 4.9 WAR. The current team leader in batting average, on base percentage, and hits at 107 undoubtedly makes him the Diamondbacks first half MVP. While Christian Walker has been great this season, and should’ve been named a National League all star, Marte has been the best piece of this 2024 Diamondbacks team looking to repeat what they did last season with a better ending.
Colorado Rockies – Ryan McMahon 3B
Since 2017, Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon has struggled to break out for Colorado. In 2024 however, one could argue he’s finally broken out, having his best season so far in Coors Field. In 2024 so far, McMahon has hit for a slashline of .270/.350/.444 with an OPS+ of 116. McMahon made his first all star team this season, and it’s unknown whether or not a contender will be able to pry him away from Colorado. While in the past the Rockies have said they aren’t moving McMahon, that could very well just be a negotiation tactic to drive up his value.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Shohei Ohtani DH
Even when he’s not pitching or fielding, Shohei Ohtani remains the most valuable player on whatever team he’s on. Shohei recorded a WAR of 5.4, while hitting for a slashline of .316/.399/.634 with an OPS+ of 188. Ohtani leads the NL in slugging and OPS, while leading the entire major leagues in total bases recorded with 237. When being played as a DH, Ohtani has seemed to only improve his bat, hitting a National League leading 29 home runs, stealing 23 bases to go along with it. Ohtani game in and game out reminds Dodgers fans that he was worth the contract he signed for.
San Diego Padres – Jurickson Profar LF
Since being called irrelevant by Dodgers catcher Will Smith, Profar has put up the best numbers for the San Diego Padres. Profar leads the Padres in multiple hitting statistics, as he leads in batting average, home runs, RBI’s, on base percentage, and hits. Profar in his 11th season had finally earned his first all star selection, hitting for a slashline of .301/.390/.471 with an OPS+ of 144. Profar hit 14 home runs and 16 doubles as well. Most importantly, Profar has been a workhorse for this Padres team in 2024, leading the entire major leagues in games played now with 98. With guys like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and the rotation with the names they have on the roster, it speaks volumes as to how good Profar has been through the first half of the 2024 season.
San Francisco Giants – Matt Chapman 3B
Matt Chapman has been very overlooked so far this season after signing with the San Francisco Giants. While Heliot Ramos and Patrick Bailey have been great, Chapman’s been a great veteran presence at that third base corner. Chapman’s hit for a slashline so far of .235/.321/.413 with an OPS+ of 112. While those numbers may be lower than a lot of the previously mentioned names, Chapman still hits the ball as hard as any other player in the league, ranking in the 98th percentile for bat speed, and the 90th percentile for average exit velocity. Chapman will always provide a solid glove at third, and his arm strength has been holding up. When there hasn’t been much to rave about as a Giants fan, they’re at least getting their money’s worth with Chapman.
