Teams Seeking Statistical Leaders
It’s remarkable how long some teams have gone without a player leading their league in specific categories. For instance, the Cubs have not had a stolen base leader for as long as it took the Red Sox to lift the “Curse of the Bambino”.
Excitement in Early Season Statistics
Even in May, there’s a spark of excitement when a team abbreviation like “CHC” appears among the stolen base leaders, or a “CLE” is found near the top for hits.
Potential Leaders for the Season
While much can shift between now and season’s end, let’s explore nine players who might break their teams’ long-standing records in various statistical areas. All stats are accurate as of Thursday’s games.
1. Cal Raleigh, 12 Home Runs (T-1st in AL)
Last Mariners home runs leader: Ken Griffey Jr. (1999)
Seattle fans have gone 26 seasons without a home run champion, particularly frustrated since Alex Rodriguez left in 2001 to dominate the AL. Raleigh faces challenges with his pitcher-friendly stadium and being a catcher, but could still join other famous catchers who have hit over 40 homers, with his career high at 34 last season.
2. Steven Kwan, 49 Hits (T-3rd in AL)
Last Cleveland hits leader: Kenny Lofton (1994)
Cleveland hasn’t had an AL hits leader in a full season since 1949. If Kwan continues on his current path of 215 hits, he’d not only contend for the league lead but also achieve the highest total for the franchise since the 1930s.
3. Wilmer Flores, 33 RBIs (3rd in NL)
Last Giants RBI leader: Barry Bonds (1993)
Since Bonds’ reign, no Giant has led the NL in RBIs. Flores might not be the traditional choice, but with timely hitting and currently performing well in key situations, he could break the streak.
4. Rafael Devers, 39 Games Played (T-1st in AL)
Last Red Sox games played leader: Dwight Evans (1984)
There has been a notable drop in Red Sox players leading in games played, with Devers potentially ending a 41-year gap simply by consistently playing and excelling as a designated hitter.
5. Jesús Luzardo, 2.11 ERA (4th in NL)
Last Phillies ERA leader: Steve Carlton (1972)
While Luzardo may not match Carlton’s overwhelming stats, he shares similarities in age and recent performance, positioning him to potentially become a modern ERA champion for the Phillies.
6. Jung Hoo Lee, 11 Doubles (T-4th in NL)
Last Giants doubles leader: Orlando Cepeda (1958)
Since Cepeda’s leading 38 doubles, the Giants have consistently had players exceed that number without a league leader. Lee brings his experience from Korea, where he excelled in doubles, and could make a significant impact this season.
7. Pete Crow-Armstrong, 12 Stolen Bases (3rd in NL)
Last Cubs stolen bases leader: Stan Hack (1939)
Historically, Stanley Hack’s base-stealing performance was lackluster, but Crow-Armstrong showcases impressive talent on the bases and could notably become the first Cub in nearly a century to lead in steals.
8. Cole Ragans, 57 Strikeouts (T-1st in AL)
Last Royals strikeout leader: N/A
Ragans came close last year to being the first Royal to lead the AL in strikeouts. He’s currently among the top pitchers and has the stamina that could see him reach this milestone.
9. Pete Alonso, 87 Total Bases (3rd in NL)
Last Mets total bases leader: N/A
No Mets player has ever led the NL in total bases in the franchise’s history. Alonso, holding the single-season record, aims to change that narrative while competing closely against tough opponents this season.
