Taking a Deeper Look into the 2023 MLB Batting Leaders
The 2023 MLB season has given us new stars and remarkable performances; let's explore the numbers behind the stats leaders of this season. From batting average to stolen base we'll gain a deeper understanding of these star’s exceptional contributions to their teams.
We will be taking a closer look at the leader in batting average, home runs, hits, RBI’s and stolen bases. Additionally, let’s take a look at how each leading team in each statistic fared this season, and analyze its relationship to their success for the 2023 year.
Batting Average
The top 10 leaders in 2023 for Batting Average is as follows:
Luis Arraez (MIA) - .354
Ronald Acuna (ATL) - .337
Freddie Freeman (LAD) - .331
Yandy Diaz - (TB) .330
Corey Seager (TEX) - .327
Cody Bellinger (CHC) - .307
Mookie Betts (LAD) - .307
Bo Bichette (TOR) - .306
Shohei Ohtani (LAA)- .304
Bryce Harper (PHI) - .293
Analysis
Luiz Arraez takes home his second consecutive batting title, this time as a member of the National League, leading the Marlins to their first playoff appearance since 2003 (Excludes 2020 season because of COVID). He was on the hunt to maintain a .400 average up until June 24, but a second half “slump” lowered his remarkable batting average. Following the All-Star break he batted .314, which was still the 14th highest average amongst post-all star batting leaders. Adding to his impressive batting average, Arraez was walked only 35 times this season, which is the second fewest walks drawn compared to the rest of the top ten batting average leaders. Only Bo Bichette drew fewer free passes with 27. Having the lowest slugging percentage, RBI’s, and home runs out of the leaders, he improved his average through singles, having 160. Some additional statistics that accommodate his ridiculous 2023 season include a strikeout percentage of 5.5 percent and a whiff percentage of 7.8 percent, both the lowest in the league. He hopes to continue his dominance in Miami for years to come, as the young star has asserted himself as one of the best hitters in the game.
Team Batting Average Comparison
Team Batting Average Comparison (Top 5 Highest and Top 5 Lowest)
Home Runs
The top 10 leaders in 2023 for Batting Average is as follows:
Matt Olson (ATL) - 54
Kyle Schwarber (PHI) - 47
Pete Alonso (NYM) - 46
Shohei Ohtani (LAA) - 44
Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL) - 41
Marcell Azuna (ATL) - 40
Mookie Betts (LAD) - 39
Adolis Garcia (TEX) - 39
Luis Robert Jr. (CHW) - 38
Aaron Judge (NYY) - 37
Analysis
Home run leaders this season was completely dominated by the Atlanta Braves, with Matt Olson leading way. The Braves were two wins shy of their franchise record, ending the season with a record of 104-58, and the power of Olson was certainly a major factor in their success this season. Playing in every game in the regular season, Olson racked up a .604 SLG and created 144 runs, based on wRC. Olson places in the 99th percentile in both Average Exit Velocity, Hard Hit Percentage, and Batting Run Value, with staggering numbers of 93.7 mph, 55.5% and 63, respectively. The 29 year old hopes to being his power to the playoffs and secure a world series title for the number one seed this season.
Team Home Run Comparison
Team Home Run Comparison (Top 5 highest and Top 5 Lowest)
Hits
The top 10 leaders in 2023 for Hits is as follows:
Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL) - 217
Freddie Freeman (LAD) - 211
Luis Arraez (MIA) - 203
Marcus Semien (TEX) - 185
Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 180
Mookie Betts (LAD) - 179
Austin Riley (ATL) - 179
Bobby Witt Jr. (KC) - 177
Bo Bichette (TOR) - 175
Nico Hoerner (CHC) - 175
Analysis
Ronald Acuna Jr. delivered yet again another MVP-worthy season, but this one is his best so far. The 25 year old becomes the first player ever to have 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a season, and leading the league in hits is the cherry on top to his Spectacular 2023 season. Having the highest number of total bases with 383 as well, Acuna created 156 runs based on wRC, leading the Braves to a historic season. He finishes the season leading the league in Batting Run Value, Average Exit Velocity, Expected Batting Average and Expected Slugging Percentage, with values of 64, 94.7 mph, .356, and 0.660, respectively. The statistics show that Acuna is a legitimate five tool player, and we should expect many more MVP-caliber seasons from this young superstar for years to come.
Team Hit Comparison
Team Total Hit Comparison (Top 5 Highest and Top 5 Lowest)
RBIs
The top 10 leaders in 2023 for RBIs is as follows:
Matt Olson (ATL) - 139
Pete Alonso (NYM) - 118
Kyle Tucker (HOU) - 112
Ozzie Albies (ATL) - 109
Juan Soto (SD) - 109
Mookie Betts (LAD) - 107
Adolis Garcia (TEX) - 107
Nick Castellanos (PHI) - 106
Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL) - 106
Max Muncy (LAD) - 105
Team RBI Comparison:
Team RBI Comparison (Top 5 Highest and Top 5 Lowest)
Stolen Bases
The top 10 leaders in 2023 for Stolen Bases is as follows:
Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL) - 73
Esteury Ruiz (OAK) - 67
Corbin Carroll (ARI) - 54
Bobby Witt Jr. (KC) - 49
CJ Abrams (WSH) - 47
Nico Hoerner (CHC) - 43
Ha-Seong Kim (SD) - 38
Julio Rodriguez (SEA) - 37
Elly Delly Cruz (CIN) - 35
Will Castro (MIN) - 33
Analysis
Many Players on this list are rising stars that are soon to become outstanding players for their respective teams. In what was a pathetic season to say the least, one of the few bright spots on the Oakland Athletics was the emergence of the promising rookie Esteury Ruiz. A speed demon on the base path and a great center fielder is in the running for rookie of the year, and can hopefully lead a quality rebuild in Oakland… soon to be Las Vegas. Another young star on this list is Elly De La Cuz, who had an energetic start of his season. In 98 games, De La Cruz ended up with a solid rookie campaign, a .235 average, 13 home runs and 44 RBIs. He also hit for the cycle and has the fasted sprint speed in the league, topping out at a staggering 30.5 ft/s. Despite a lower average and contact percentage, we should expect great things from the 21 year old 3rd baseman. Another outstanding rookie is Corbin Carroll, ending his season with a solid .285 average and 25 home runs. Not far behind De La Cruz, Carroll has the second highest sprint speed with a maximum at 30.1 ft./sec on the bases.
