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.
Atlanta Braves – Reynaldo Lopez RHP
It was a rough first half for the Braves as far as their standards go. The offense has regressed from previous years, and the injury of the 2023 MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. was a huge blow to the lineup. One bright spot on this ball club through the first half however is starter Reynaldo Lopez. Since 2016, Lopez has struggled as a starter, but the Braves have seemed to do what they do best, tapping into yet another veteran pitcher. Lopez made his first all star game this season, and has a 1.88 ERA through 95.2 innings pitched. When the offense hasn’t been able to show up, Lopez has helped hold the rotation together.
Miami Marlins – Tanner Scott LHP
There has been almost nothing for Marlins fans to get excited about through the first half of the season. The team has just not performed at all and the apparent firesale is surely coming before this year’s trade deadline. Tanner Scott is undoubtedly one of those names that will be dealt at the deadline, as he’s been Miami’s best player through the first half. Scott through 41.2 innings pitched has an ERA of 1.30, leading the Marlins in wins at six, and saves at 15. Opponents have struggled to make hard contact against Scott, as he ranks in the 100th percentile for average exit velocity at 82.4 MPH. Scott will more than likely be sent to a contender by July 30th, but his time with the Marlins in the first half couldn’t have been better.
New York Mets – Francisco Lindor SS
Another year and yet another all star snub for Francisco Lindor. The Mets shortstop has had a very quality year through the first half, and has undoubtedly been their most valuable player thus far. Lindor has recorded a WAR of 3.7 so far this season, with a slash line of .254/.333/.453 for an OPS+ 125. Lindor’s been great in the field as well, ranking top 20 in outs above average (OAA) with eight. With 17 home runs and 19 stolen bases so far, it’s possible that Lindor could have a 30/30 season in his fourth year with the Mets.
Philadelphia Phillies – Bryce Harper 1B
The Phillies have been a force through the first half, and the entire team has been phenomenal. From Trea Turner, to Alec Bohm, to Brandon Marsh, there has been little to no shortage of production from either side of the field. Yet Bryce Harper has set himself apart from the rest of the pack again, and has far and away been the most valuable player so far for the Phillies. So far this season, Harper’s hitting for a slashline of .300/.401/.573 with an OPS+ of 172. Harper also slugged 21 home runs and has tallied 21 doubles as well. He’s also played an incredibly solid first base, ranking in the 93rd percentile for outs above average with six. He continues to embrace Philadelphia and the feeling could not be anymore mutual.
Washington Nationals – CJ Abrams SS
A key piece in the 2022 Juan Soto trade that sent Abrams to the Nationals, has paid dividends for Washington. While the Nationals continue to develop a new young core, Abrams has emerged as one of the brighter pieces of it. Earning his first all star selection in 2024, Abrams has recorded a slashline so far this season of .265/.339/.483 with an OPS+ of 134. Abrams has hit 15 home runs and has stolen 15 bases this season as well. For what appeared to be a possible consistent 20/20 guy now appears to be someone who has more 30/30 potential than most could’ve probably seen coming into the majors.