In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, including thrilling MLB games, 2024 is proving to be thrilling, with several players shattering expectations and captivating fans. From breakout stars clinching top stats to seasoned veterans rediscovering their former glory, the game is full of surprises.

This year, we spotlight five exceptional players making waves and turning heads with their impressive performances.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. is undeniably a force to be reckoned with in the MLB.

Projected for a solid 4.3 fWAR in 2023, he completely exceeded expectations by posting an astonishing 9.0 fWAR and an OPS of 1.007.

What’s intriguing is that while he excelled overall, he struggled against pitches in the heart of the plate, with a surprising negative run value. His expected batting average was a strong .342, yet he faced some bad luck with a BABIP of just .249.

With an average exit velocity of 98.7 mph on those middle-middle pitches, Witt is in elite company, trailing only power hitters like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.

His impressive .611 slugging percentage speaks volumes about his raw talent and potential for continued greatness.

Jurickson Profar, OF, Padres

Jurickson Profar has been one of the most surprising success stories of 2024.

Initially projected for a mere 0.2 fWAR and a .684 OPS, he has completely flipped the script with an impressive 3.8 fWAR and a .864 OPS.

What’s remarkable about Profar is how he’s always been selective at the plate, ranking in the 70th percentile for both chase and whiff rates since 2021.

This year, however, he’s not just been patient; he’s making solid contact with an average exit velocity of 90.7 mph—up from 87.3 mph for his career.

This combination of discipline and improved power makes him a player to watch in MLB current games.

Alec Bohm, 3B, Phillies

Alec Bohm is stepping into the spotlight in 2024 with a breakout season that’s hard to ignore. Originally projected for a modest 1.4 fWAR and .736 OPS, he’s skyrocketed to an impressive 3.9 fWAR and an .815 OPS.

What sets Bohm apart? His remarkable ability to avoid strikeouts, paired with a stellar 33.6% squared-up rate, which ranks 10th among his peers.

Despite struggles against four-seam fastballs in the past—hitting just .246 compared to the league average—he’s turned the tide this year, batting .306 with a +12 run value against them.

Bohm is proving he can adapt and thrive, making him a key player for the Phillies moving forward.

Brent Rooker, DH, Athletics

Brent Rooker is turning heads in 2024, going from projected numbers of 1.6 fWAR and a .787 OPS to an impressive 3.8 fWAR and .931 OPS.

If you’ve been following Rooker’s journey, it’s a classic case of a player evolving. Once a promising prospect with the Twins, he faced challenges, including being DFA’d by the Royals, yet here he is as a first-time All-Star with the Athletics.

Last season, he crushed 30 home runs, predominantly shining against fastballs with a .632 slugging percentage.

But what’s exciting this year is his newfound ability to handle breaking balls—his slugging against them has caught up to his fastball performance.

Gunnar Henderson, SS, Orioles

Gunnar Henderson is establishing himself as a genuine superstar in 2024. Initially projected for a solid 4.8 fWAR and .816 OPS, he has blown past those expectations with an incredible 6.7 fWAR and .914 OPS.

His rapid ascent isn’t just luck; throughout 2023, Henderson showcased his potential, but his breakout this year has been remarkably swift. One area where he faced challenges was a .237 batting average against breaking balls, but he’s corrected that, now hitting an impressive .312 against them.

With 17 of his 33 home runs coming off breaking pitches, Henderson has solidified his role as the core of the Orioles’ lineup, outpacing last year’s totals in home runs, runs scored, and stolen bases.