SE Atlanta News

It is challenging to maintain a top position in the Hitter Power Rankings consistently, as even the best hitters experience periods of decline. However, Aaron Judge of the Yankees has managed to defy this trend, maintaining his lead for three consecutive polls. As we approach the midpoint of the 2024 MLB schedule, Judge's dominance remains evident.

The latest Hitter Power Rankings reflect a combination of career track record, 2024 success, and recent performance as evaluated by the MLB.com voting panel. Below are the rankings based on statistics through Tuesday’s games:

1. **Aaron Judge, Yankees (Last poll: 1)**

Judge's slow start to the season is now overshadowed by an impressive two-month performance. His May OPS was 1.397, ranking as the 10th highest since 1901, while his June OPS stands at 1.371.

2. **Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (4)**

Ohtani's recent surge comes at a crucial time for the Dodgers following Mookie Betts' injury on June 16. Ohtani boasts a .320/.422/.773 slash line with ten home runs and 22 RBIs over his past 19 games.

3. **Gunnar Henderson, Orioles (3)**

Henderson continues to excel after winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award last year and is now considered one of baseball’s elite players.

4. **Juan Soto, Yankees (2)**

Soto leads in walks and OBP while maintaining career-high numbers in slugging percentage (.571), OPS (1.004), and OPS+ (182).

5. **Bryce Harper, Phillies (6)**

With Betts sidelined, Harper could be contending for another MVP title alongside Ohtani.

6. **Steven Kwan, Guardians (not ranked)**

Kwan makes his debut in the rankings with a .440 average over his first 19 games post-injury and shows newfound power hitting capabilities.

7. **Marcell Ozuna, Braves (9)**

Ozuna has been consistent throughout various months despite team injuries and underperformance elsewhere.

8. **José Ramírez, Guardians (7)**

Ramírez is on pace for a career-high in home runs and has significantly improved his stats since mid-May.

9. **Yordan Alvarez, Astros (10)**

Alvarez ranks second among active players with a 162 OPS+ among those with at least 2,000 plate appearances through age 27 in the Modern Era.

10. **Royce Lewis, Twins (not ranked)**

Despite injury setbacks, Lewis maintains high performance levels whenever he plays.

Others receiving votes include Bobby Witt Jr., Freddie Freeman, Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, Jurickson Profar, Anthony Santander, Elly De La Cruz, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., CJ Abrams, and Kyle Schwarber.

Voters: Chris Begley, Jason Catania, Theo DeRosa, Daniel Feldman, Travis Miller, Brian Murphy,

Efrain Ruiz,

Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru,

Andrew Simon,

Ismail Soyugenc,

David Venn,

Tom Vourtsis,

Andy Werle