Home field advantage is commonly mentioned in professional sports. In baseball, several factors contribute to a team’s success at home. For some players, they are just playing very well in home games. By far this season, there are several batters who have been outstanding in home games.
Corey Seager missed some playing time due to injuries. But, when he’s healthy, he’s surely one of the most dangerous hitters in the majors. So far this season, he slashes .332/.394/.640 with 33 home runs and 96 RBI. It's possible to see him finish the season with at least 100 RBI. In home games, he owns an OPS over 1.100 with 23 home runs over 64 games. At the same time, he blasted 10 home runs in 50 away games. He’s hitting well in away games with an OPS over .900, but at Globe Life Field, he's surely a nightmare for many MLB pitchers.
Without doubt, Mookie Betts is an elite hitter in the majors and he won the 2018 AL MVP award. But, this season might be an even better one for him. Betts now hits .309/.409/.589 with 39 home runs and 105 RBI. He made his MLB debut in 2014. From 2014 to 2022, he never finished a season with at least 40 home runs. Is it going to be the first time that Mookie finishes a season with 40+ home runs? In home games, he already smashed 24 home runs and had an OPS of 1.094.
Bryce Harper underwent Tommy John surgery last November and in May, he was back. With him in the lineup, the Phillies fans must be really excited. After returning to the Phillies lineup, Harper has done a great job at Citizens Bank Park. In home games, Harper has an OPS over 1.000. However, in away games, Harper’s OPS is below .800.
In addition, the 2023 season should be an unforgettable season for Matt Olson. He now leads the majors with 53 home runs. Among those 53 home runs, 27 were hit in home games. And, his OPS is over 1.000 at Truist Park. He’s also hitting well in away games with an OPS over .900.
Finally, let’s take a look at two strong MVP candidates. Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuna Jr. each now have an OPS over 1.000 in home games. Ohtani has 22 home runs in home games and interestingly, he has 22 homers when he’s in away games. Furthermore, Acuna Jr. has 20 home runs at Truist Park and when he’s in away games, he has 21 home runs thus far. Meanwhile, Yandy Diaz has an OPS over 1.000 in home games as well.
From these players, we can see how dangerous they are in home games. Among these 7 players who own an OPS over 1.000 so far this season, only Bryce Harper has an OPS below .800 in away games. And, even more interestingly, Ohtani’s OPS in home games is actually lower than his OPS in away games. There’s little doubt that these 7 players are elite hitters in the majors and it’s really difficult for MLB pitchers to face them. As the postseason is coming soon, let’s see whether some of these players will hit well in home games in the playoffs.
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