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Not unlike the iconic space race, there are two figures leading the MLB Home Run Race in 2024. They've both gotten off to fantastic starts, evidenced by their prolific power swings. Several others have also blasted their way into this conversation, so here's the early stats and some predictions for this season's home run kings.
Early leaders and stats in MLB home run race
Right now, it's Mike Trout and Marcell Ozuna's world. The two sluggers are tied atop the leaderboard with eight home runs each. Neither of them has more than 82 at bats, so they're both hitting at a prolific rate.
Just behind them is the injured Tyler O'Neill. If he hadn't suffered a concussion last week, the Boston Red Sox star might have as many or more than the two leaders do.
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Behind them are a bevy of players who have six home runs, including CJ Abrams, Mookie Betts, Pete Alonso and:
- Michael Busch
- Triston Casas
- Elly de la Cruz
- Gunnar Henderson
- Josh Naylor
- Salvador Perez
- Fernando Tatis
- Taylor Ward
There are also a lot of players with five blasts, such as Jose Altuve, Juan Soto and Yordan Alvarez. These players are among the best hitters in baseball, and their early home run rates indicate as much.
Predictions for MLB Home Run Race
It's rather shocking not to see Aaron Judge in the top 15 for home runs. He hasn't missed a game and is seemingly healthy, but he's been in a dreadful run to start the season, hitting just three home runs. However, he's one capable of hitting home runs every single at bat, so expect him to be in this race soon.
Matt Olson is also not among the league leaders after being the league leader last year. The Atlanta Braves infielder should heat up and start depositing baseballs in seats soon.
Shohei Ohtani has four long balls to his name right now, dead middle of the pack for baseball. However, it would be a surprise for him to not eventually lead the league or be right there with everyone else. The same is true for Bryce Harper and Jorge Soler.
