We’re halfway through the 2020s, and what a wild ride it’s been in baseball. After surviving 2020, we’ve seen some incredible performances worth celebrating. Let’s look at the standout stars of baseball’s first half-decade.
Ronald Acuña Jr. has been absolutely electric on the basepaths. He’s swiped 143 bases, way ahead of José Ramírez’s 126. What’s really impressive? He’s successful 80% of the time, even though everyone knows he’s going to run.
When he’s on first base, Acuña takes the extra base 63% of the time – way above the league average of 41%. That’s despite missing significant time with injuries in 2021 and 2024.
The best glove in baseball? That’s Dansby Swanson. Playing shortstop – the toughest everyday position – he’s been nearly perfect. His .985 fielding percentage crushes the league average of .972. But it’s not just about avoiding errors – his range and defensive metrics top the charts.
Emmanuel Clase has been untouchable coming out of the bullpen. His numbers are ridiculous: 157 saves (leading all relievers), a tiny 1.62 ERA, and a microscopic 0.87 WHIP. He’s won the AL’s top reliever award twice already.
On the starting pitching side, Zack Wheeler has been the decade’s best arm. He’s eaten up innings (second-most in MLB) while keeping his ERA at a stellar 2.94. He’s still chasing that elusive Cy Young award, but his overall body of work is unmatched.
Aaron Judge has been baseball’s most fearsome hitter. The numbers are staggering: 205 home runs (20 more than second place), a .298 batting average, and a massive 1.049 OPS. He’s averaging 56 homers per 162 games this decade.
But the decade’s MVP? That’s Shohei Ohtani, and it’s not even close. He’s been one of baseball’s top three hitters while also pitching like an ace. Three MVP awards and a World Series ring tell the story – we’re watching something we’ve never seen before.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated team success. They’ve won two World Series, made the playoffs every year, and racked up 458 wins – 41 more than any other team. With their 2024 championship, they’ve clearly established themselves as the team of the decade so far.
