Best Player on Every MLB Team: NL East
As the 2023 postseason is currently in full-swing, fans are also looking ahead to 2024. Let's take a look at the best current player on every MLB team, starting with the NL East.
Braves - Ronald Acuña Jr.
After a season-ending ACL tear in 2021, Acuña had a slower season compared to his previous years in 2022. Acuña only hit 15 home runs in 119 games and recorded a career-low 112 OPS+ last year. However, Acuña played a full season in 2023 and had a record-breaking season. Ronald became the first player in the 100+ year history of MLB to have 70 stolen bases and 40 home runs in the same season. He led MLB in hits, runs, stolen bases, and OBP, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 104-win season.
Phillies - Bryce Harper
After undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing the first month of the season, Bryce Harper marked the fastest recovery from Tommy John surgery in MLB surgery, returning to the Phillies only 160 after the surgery! The 2x MVP slashed .293/.401/.499 in 2023 while also playing 36 games at a brand new position, first base. Harper also placed in the 96th percentile in walk percentage (14.7%).
Marlins - Luis Arraez
Coming off his second consecutive batting title, Luis Arraez has emerged as the best contact hitter in MLB. Arraez is the exact opposite of the average baseball player in 2023. While many players are hitting 110+ mph 440-foot home runs, Arraez plays baseball the old-fashioned way and just tries putting the ball in play. Arraez was a huge reason the Marlins had a 15-win from 2022 increase in 2023. The Marlins ranked in the bottom five in team batting average last year, but this year, they had the fourth-best team batting average in MLB, primarily thanks to Luis Arraez. Arraez will look to enter Tony Gwynn territory next year if he can win a third consecutive batting title.
Washington Nationals - Lane Thomas
Following a breakout campaign in 2023, Lane Thomas has become one of the more underrated players in baseball. Thomas hit a career-high 28 home runs in 2023 and recorded a .783 OPS in 682 plate appearances. If Lane Tomhas can improve his walk and strikeout rates, I think he could become a really good ball player.
New York Mets - Pete Alonso
Finishing off our list, we have Mets power hitter Pete Alonso. Pete Alonso and Kodai Senga definitely make it close, but Alonso is the best player on the Mets for now. Ever since his debut in 2019, Alonso has put up elite power numbers. In fact, Alonso is first in home runs since 2019 with 192, ahead of stars such as Matt Olson, Aaron Judge, and Kyle Schwarber. Alonso also holds the record for the most home runs hit by a rookie, with 53 long balls in 2019.