The Major League Baseball season is a grueling marathon, spanning over six months and giving players ample time to make adjustments and rewrite their personal narratives. In the weeks following the All-Star break, we have witnessed a number of hitters who have done just that. Some players have rebounded in a big way after struggling in the first half of the season, while others have taken their game to the next level.
One way to measure a player’s improvement is by comparing their OPS figures before and after the All-Star break. OPS, which stands for on-base plus slugging percentage, is a comprehensive statistic that combines a player’s ability to get on base and hit for power. The following 10 players have made significant leaps in performance during the second half of the season, with a minimum of 250 plate appearances before the break and 100 plate appearances after the break.
1. Gavin Lux, 2B, Dodgers: +497 points
Gavin Lux has been on fire since the All-Star break, drastically improving his OPS from .562 to 1.059. Lux made adjustments to his swing, resulting in more power and increased bat speed. He has hit seven home runs in the second half, matching his previous season high.
2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays: +482 points
Guerrero has returned to superstar status in the second half of the season, slashing .400/.479/.825 with 12 home runs in 32 games. His impressive form has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Blue Jays.
3. Jake Burger, 1B/3B, Marlins: +459 points
Jake Burger has turned his season around after a rough first half, hitting 15 home runs in 32 games since the All-Star break. He is on pace for his second straight 30-homer season.
4. Jeff McNeil, 2B, Mets: +391 points
Jeff McNeil has found success in the second half by changing his approach at the plate. With a higher pull rate and improved production, McNeil has recorded seven home runs and 10 doubles while slashing .307/.368/.614 over 31 games.
5. Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals: +332 points
Bobby Witt Jr. has taken his offensive game to another level in the second half, delivering an impressive .427/.486/.774 slash line with nine home runs in 31 games. He leads MLB in batting average, runs scored, and OPS.
6. Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees: +326 points
Despite leading MLB in home runs and OPS before the All-Star break, Aaron Judge has somehow found another gear in the second half. With 15 home runs and a 1.438 OPS in 31 games, Judge is on pace to tie his own AL record for home runs in a season.
7. Josh Bell, 1B, D-backs: +325 points
Josh Bell has continued to produce after being traded to the D-backs, hitting four home runs with an .845 OPS in 19 games since the trade. His performance has been a boost for the team in the absence of Christian Walker.
8. Jorge Soler, OF, Braves: +281 points
Jorge Soler has excelled since joining the Braves in a Deadline deal, producing an .897 OPS over 16 games. His performance has helped fill the void left by Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury.
9. Jackson Chourio, OF, Brewers: +280 points
Jackson Chourio, a highly touted prospect, has improved significantly in the second half of the season. With a .958 OPS over 30 games, Chourio has shown growth and potential at just 20 years old.
10. Corbin Carroll, OF, D-backs: +278 points
After a slow start to the season, Corbin Carroll has found his swing in the second half, hitting nine home runs with a .580 slugging percentage in 31 games. His improved hard-hit and barrel rates indicate a return to form for the young outfielder.
Overall, these players have demonstrated the importance of perseverance and adaptation in the game of baseball. The second half of the season provides a fresh start for players to make adjustments and rewrite their personal narratives, leading to impressive performance leaps and exciting storylines for fans to follow. As the season continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see how these players continue to evolve and contribute to their teams‘ success.