The game of baseball has been around since the mid-1800s. Over the course of time, the rules of the game have changed, the equipment has been updated, and the players have become better. As the players have become better, so have the hitters. There are countless players who have made their mark in the game, but who is the best hitter in baseball right now?
Analyzing Hitting Statistics
Statistics are the best and most accurate way to determine the best hitter in baseball. It’s important to look at more than just the batting average when assessing a hitter’s performance. There are several other metrics such as on-base percentage (OBP), slugging percentage (SLG), and weighted runs created plus (wRC+) that need to be taken into consideration.
When looking at these stats, it’s clear that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is currently the best hitter in baseball. Betts currently leads all players in batting average (.346), OBP (.444), SLG (.683), and wRC+ (183). He is also in the top five in home runs (20), RBI (50), and runs scored (53).
Mookie Betts’ Dominance
Betts has been one of the best hitters in baseball since he entered the league in 2014. He has been an All-Star in four of his six seasons and has won four Gold Gloves and three Silver Sluggers. In 2018, he won the AL MVP Award and in 2019 he won the World Series with the Boston Red Sox.
Betts’ success is due in part to his approach at the plate. Betts is patient and selective with his pitches, as evidenced by his high OBP and BB/K ratio. He also has a great sense of the strike zone, which allows him to make solid contact with the ball. In addition, he has good bat speed and power, which allows him to hit for both average and power.
Other Top Hitters
While Betts is the best hitter in baseball right now, there are several other hitters who are having excellent seasons. Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado is currently second in batting average (.331), OBP (.398), and wRC+ (168). He is also second in home runs (24) and RBI (64).
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor is third in batting average (.323) and OBP (.393), and fourth in wRC+ (157). He is also in the top five in home runs (19) and RBI (55).
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. is fourth in batting average (.316) and OBP (.403), and third in wRC+ (162). He is also in the top five in home runs (17) and RBI (51).
Conclusion
It is clear that Mookie Betts is the best hitter in baseball right now. He is at the top of the leaderboards in several categories, and his approach at the plate is second to none. While there are several other players who are having great seasons, Betts is the best hitter in baseball right now.