With the first half of the 2024 MLB season coming to a close last week and the second half getting underway, 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.
Houston Astros – Jose Altuve 2B
Altuve seems to be aging like fine wine Houston, and although he couldn’t participate in this year’s midsummer classic, has without a doubt been the Astros most important and valuable player. The 34-year old is hitting for a slashline of .306/.354/.461 with an OPS+ of 131. Altuve’s on pace for a 20/20 season with 14 home runs and 15 stolen bases so far through 2024, and is the biggest piece to an Astros team looking to close in on the division in the second half.
Los Angeles Angels – Logan O’Hoppe C
Perhaps one of the biggest snubs from 2024’s All Star Game, Logan O’Hoppe has been great behind the plate for the Angels since returning from injury. In the first half, O’Hoppe’s hit for a slashline of .276/.328/.472 with an OPS+ of 121. O’Hoppe’s slugged 14 home runs while also tallying 13 doubles in 83 games played for Los Angeles. With 2.2 WAR, the 24-year old backstop looks to be coming into his own, and should be a big piece of the Angels future.
Oakland Athletics – Mason Miller RHP
There may not be a more dominant closer in baseball right now than Mason Miller. While Emmanuel Clase may rival the A’s flamethrower, Miller surged onto the scene this season, earning the lone all star selection from the Athletics. In 39.2 innings pitched for the A’s this season, Miller’s recorded a 2.27 ERA with a K/9 rate of 15.9. Miller currently ranks in the 100th percentile in fastball velocity (100.9 MPH), Chase% (38.1), K% (46.7), and Whiff% (43.0). The last Oakland Athletic all star ever put on a show in Tuesday’s midsummer classic, striking out Shohei Ohtani and Trea Turner on nasty sliders in the high-80 MPH. The 25-year old phenom may just be the A’s MVP for years to come, not just the first half of 2024.
Seattle Mariners – Andres Munoz RHP
The Mariners still have the sole lead of the American League West, but their offense has struggled. Their pitching continues to shine, and a large part of that is due to Andres Munoz. In his first half, Munoz recorded a 1.41 ERA in 38.1 innings pitched, with a K/9 rate of 10.8. Munoz ranked in the 97th percentile for fastball velocity, and in the 98th percentile in whiff rate. While the offense hasn’t always been there for Seattle, Munoz has stepped up with 15 saves so far this season.
Texas Rangers – Corey Seager SS
The former World Series MVP is once again off to a great start for Texas. Seager in the first half hit for a slashline of .270/.355/.479 with an OPS+ of 136. In his third straight all star first half, Seager hit 18 HR and ranks in the 95th percentile for barrel rate at 15.4%. Seager’s been solid in the field as well, and he continues to put this Rangers team on his back.
