February 15, 2025

As of December 29, 2024, Major League Baseball has concluded its season, with the Los Angeles Dodgers clinching the World Series title over the New York Yankees. While there are no games currently being played, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on some of the most remarkable plays that defined the 2024 MLB season. Here are the top 10 plays that captivated fans and showcased the extraordinary talent present in the league:

1. Ben Joyce’s 105.5 mph Strikeout (September 3)

Los Angeles Angels’ rookie pitcher Ben Joyce delivered a pitch clocked at 105.5 mph, striking out eventual World Series MVP Tommy Edman. This pitch stands as the fastest strikeout recorded in the pitch-tracking era, highlighting Joyce’s exceptional arm strength and precision.

2. Jesús Sánchez’s 480-foot Home Run (August 5)

Miami Marlins’ outfielder Jesús Sánchez launched a colossal 480-foot home run against the Cincinnati Reds at loanDepot Park. This impressive feat marked the longest home run of the 2024 season, surpassing notable sluggers like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

3. Shohei Ohtani’s Walk-off Grand Slam (August 23)

In a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels hit a walk-off grand slam, becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases). This historic moment solidified Ohtani’s status as one of the game’s most dynamic players.

4. Padres’ Game-Ending Triple Play (September 24)

The San Diego Padres turned a game-ending triple play against the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing a playoff berth in dramatic fashion. This rare defensive gem was the first time a team clinched a postseason spot with a game-ending triple play.

5. Francisco Lindor’s Go-Ahead Home Run (September 30)

New York Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor hit a pivotal two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves, clinching a postseason berth for the Mets. This clutch performance was instrumental in the Mets’ late-season surge.

6. Giancarlo Stanton’s 119.9 mph Home Run (May 8)

New York Yankees’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton crushed a home run with an exit velocity of 119.9 mph against the Houston Astros. This blast was the hardest-hit home run of the 2024 season, showcasing Stanton’s prodigious power.

7. Luis Arraez’s Historic Batting Title

Luis Arraez became only the second player in MLB history to win batting titles with three different teams, underscoring his exceptional hitting prowess and adaptability across various lineups.

8. Walker Buehler’s 27-Inch Breaking Ball (NLCS Game 3)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Walker Buehler delivered a pitch with 27 inches of glove-side movement during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. This extraordinary pitch movement baffled hitters and demonstrated Buehler’s elite pitching skills.

9. Shohei Ohtani’s Bat Flip (October 5)

In his first MLB playoff game, Shohei Ohtani hit a monumental home run against the San Diego Padres and celebrated with a memorable bat flip, electrifying fans and adding to his growing legend.

10. Elly De La Cruz’s Sliding Catch

Cincinnati Reds’ rookie Elly De La Cruz made a spectacular sliding catch, showcasing his athleticism and defensive prowess. This play was highlighted among MLB’s top 100 plays of 2024, reflecting De La Cruz’s impact in his debut season.

These moments encapsulate the excitement and talent that defined the 2024 MLB season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring.

For a visual highlight, here’s a game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks from August 29, 2024:

 

As of December 29, 2024, Major League Baseball has concluded its season, with the Los Angeles Dodgers clinching the World Series title over the New York Yankees. While there are no games currently being played, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on some of the most remarkable plays that defined the 2024 MLB season. Here are the top 10 plays that captivated fans and showcased the extraordinary talent present in the league:

1. Ben Joyce’s 105.5 mph Strikeout (September 3)

Los Angeles Angels’ rookie pitcher Ben Joyce delivered a pitch clocked at 105.5 mph, striking out eventual World Series MVP Tommy Edman. This pitch stands as the fastest strikeout recorded in the pitch-tracking era, highlighting Joyce’s exceptional arm strength and precision.

2. Jesús Sánchez’s 480-foot Home Run (August 5)

Miami Marlins’ outfielder Jesús Sánchez launched a colossal 480-foot home run against the Cincinnati Reds at loanDepot Park. This impressive feat marked the longest home run of the 2024 season, surpassing notable sluggers like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

3. Shohei Ohtani’s Walk-off Grand Slam (August 23)

In a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels hit a walk-off grand slam, becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases). This historic moment solidified Ohtani’s status as one of the game’s most dynamic players.

4. Padres’ Game-Ending Triple Play (September 24)

The San Diego Padres turned a game-ending triple play against the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing a playoff berth in dramatic fashion. This rare defensive gem was the first time a team clinched a postseason spot with a game-ending triple play.

5. Francisco Lindor’s Go-Ahead Home Run (September 30)

New York Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor hit a pivotal two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves, clinching a postseason berth for the Mets. This clutch performance was instrumental in the Mets’ late-season surge.

6. Giancarlo Stanton’s 119.9 mph Home Run (May 8)

New York Yankees’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton crushed a home run with an exit velocity of 119.9 mph against the Houston Astros. This blast was the hardest-hit home run of the 2024 season, showcasing Stanton’s prodigious power.

7. Luis Arraez’s Historic Batting Title

Luis Arraez became only the second player in MLB history to win batting titles with three different teams, underscoring his exceptional hitting prowess and adaptability across various lineups.

8. Walker Buehler’s 27-Inch Breaking Ball (NLCS Game 3)

Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Walker Buehler delivered a pitch with 27 inches of glove-side movement during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. This extraordinary pitch movement baffled hitters and demonstrated Buehler’s elite pitching skills.

9. Shohei Ohtani’s Bat Flip (October 5)

In his first MLB playoff game, Shohei Ohtani hit a monumental home run against the San Diego Padres and celebrated with a memorable bat flip, electrifying fans and adding to his growing legend.

10. Elly De La Cruz’s Sliding Catch

Cincinnati Reds’ rookie Elly De La Cruz made a spectacular sliding catch, showcasing his athleticism and defensive prowess. This play was highlighted among MLB’s top 100 plays of 2024, reflecting De La Cruz’s impact in his debut season.

These moments encapsulate the excitement and talent that defined the 2024 MLB season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring.

For a visual highlight, here’s a game between the Mets and the Diamondbacks from August 29, 2024:

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