With the first half of the 2024 MLB season coming to a close last week and the second half just 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.
Baltimore Orioles – Gunnar Henderson SS
Few players in the league have been as good as Gunnar Henderson through the first half of the 2024 season. Coming off of his 2023 Rookie of the Year campaign, Henderson continues to grow into what is one of the most exciting young phenoms in the league. The 23-year old has recorded a 6.3 WAR, with a slash line of .286/.373/.584, with an incredible OPS+ of 174. Henderson is top three in home runs with 28, has hit 18 doubles, and five triples while leading the MLB in runs scored at 78. With just 279 big league games under his belt, the Orioles have struck gold with their new franchise shortstop, and their World Series window has arguably never been more wide open.
Boston Red Sox – Jarren Duran CF
The Red Sox are finally seeing a breakout season from 27-year old Jarren Duran. Through 2024 so far, Duran’s hit for a slashline of .284/.342/.477 with an OPS+ of 125. Duran leads the MLB in doubles with 27 and also triples with 10. On top of that Duran has hit 10 home runs while stealing 22 bases. After hitting a go-ahead two run home run in this year’s All Star Game, Duran was awarded with the All Star Game MVP Award. Duran has been the best piece on the Red Sox roster this season, and has kept them in a top three spot for the AL East.
New York Yankees – Aaron Judge OF
Aaron Judge game in and game out continues to look like we’re watching one of the greatest Yankees of all time. For the fourth straight year, Judge was named an American League all star, while putting up numbers similar to his 2022 MVP campaign. Judge in 2024 so far, has hit for a slashline of .306/.433/.679, leading the league in on base percentage, slugging, OPS, and OPS+ (207). Judge also leads the MLB in home runs and RBIs with 34 home runs and 85 RBIs. Not only the MVP of the Yankees so far, Judge is more than likely going to be the AL MVP when the year is over with, especially if he breaks his own single season home run record.
Tampa Bay Rays – Isaac Paredes 3B
Isaac Paredes since joining the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022 has developed into one of the league’s more prolific power threats. In 2024, Paredes hit for a .261 batting average with an OPS+ of 136. Paredes has hit 15 home runs and 18 doubles so far in 2024 over 86 hits. With the Rays having a down year, Paredes could likely be dealt before the trade deadline, to a team that needs a power hitting infielder.
Toronto Blue Jays – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B
There hasn’t been much for Blue Jays fans to enjoy in 2024, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been one of the only bright spots. Guerrero Jr. so far in his 2024 campaign has hit for a slashline of .288/.359/.456 with an OPS+ of 130. Guerrero’s tallied 107 hits so far this season, with 20 doubles, and 14 home runs. While he’s taken home four straight all star selections for Toronto, he may be another name to keep an eye on during this year’s trade deadline.
