While starting off on the right foot in a long 162 game season is important for the overall success of your team, the heroes of the second half rarely get recognized the way the first half All Stars do. In this article series, we’ll highlight one pitcher and hitter from each division of the American and National League that were massive contributors to their teams, and became overall second half MVP’s.
East: Aaron Judge (OF) New York Yankees & Bowden Francis (RHP) Toronto Blue Jays
Following his historic 2022 MVP campaign, Aaron Judge is putting up a near identical season in 2024. While his first half got off to a slower start and he did slump for a slight portion of the second half, Judge has undoubtedly been the best player in baseball this season.
The second half for the Yankees has been a turning point, especially recently to make a push at the American League East division title. In the second half, Judge has hit for a slashline of .351/.500/.723 with a 1.223 OPS. Simply just absurd numbers.
He’s added 21 home runs to his season total in the second half as well, and with a .500 on base percentage, has undoubtedly been the most valuable player across the entire American League.
In the second half of the season, Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis broke out onto the scene. In a year where it seemed like nothing went the Blue Jays way, seeing Francis put together the second half he did was a breath of fresh air to fans.
In nine starts in the second half, Francis has recorded a 1.95 ERA in 60.0 innings pitched. Opponents have hit .137 against Francis, and he notably took two potential no-hitters into the ninth inning. He raised his K/9 rate from 7.9 to 8.1 in the second half, and lowered his BB/9 rate from 3.3 to 1.1.
Central: Bobby Witt Jr. (SS) Kansas City Royals & Emmanuel Clase (CP) Cleveland Guardians
With the Royals trying to secure a Wildcard spot, Bobby Witt Jr. has been doing everything he can to ensure they have a shot at a postseason berth. In the first half, Witt hit for a .323 batting average and in the second, he hit for a .352 batting average.
Witt has a second half on base percentage of .424, and a .665 slugging percentage. He stole less bases in the second half but has matched his home run total from the first half of 16, for a season total of 32 at the moment. He’s been unbelievable, and if it weren’t for Aaron Judge he’d have his first MVP trophy.
There may not be a more valuable arm out of any bullpen in the MLB than Emmanuel Clase. In the second half through 27.0 innings pitched, Clase has recorded a 0.33 ERA and a 1.00 BB/9 rate. Opponents in the second half have had a .135 batting average against Clase and if the Guardians pitching staff can get him in the game with a lead in the postseason, they can have great success.
West: Yainer Diaz (C) Houston Astros & Framber Valdez (LHP)
The West in the second half of the season has been all Houston. The dominant franchise saw its roster turn their season around and on both sides of the field put up some incredible numbers to more than likely take another division title.
The Astros saw a breakout season from young 26-year old catcher Yainer Diaz. In the second half, Diaz hit .328 compared to his .284 average in the first half. He slugged at a .502 clip, and added nine home runs to his season total post-all star break.
A big contributor to the overall success of the Astros in the second half was the recovery of the starting rotation. While Ronel Blanco held down the front line, Framber Valdez picked up his production in the second half to round out a great season.
The left hander in the second half has recorded a 1.74 ERA, limiting opponents to a .153 batting average against him. He raised his K/9 rate from 7.5 to 10.3 in the second half, while slightly lowering his BB/9 rate as well down to 2.6. Valdez has overall been more dominant in the second half, striking out 30% of batters compared to 20% in the first half.