Slugging percentage (SLG) is a statistic used to measure a baseball player’s capability to hit with power. It is used to measure a batter’s total number of bases divided by their at-bats. Slugging percentage is a valuable measure of offensive performance and is used to determine a player’s ability to hit for power. In the Major League Baseball (MLB) season of 2020, there have been many impressive slugging performances. In this article, we will discuss who leads the MLB in slugging percentage and explore the slugging statistics of some of the top sluggers in the league.
What is Slugging Percentage?
Before we discuss who leads the MLB in slugging percentage, it is important to understand the concept of slugging percentage. Slugging percentage is calculated by dividing the total number of bases a player earns by their total number of at-bats. A single is worth one base, a double is worth two bases, a triple is worth three bases and a home run is worth four bases. The resulting number is then multiplied by 100 to give a percentage. For example, if a player has 12 hits in 30 at-bats, their slugging percentage would be calculated as follows:
Total Bases = 12 x 1 (single) + 6 x 2 (double) + 0 x 3 (triple) + 0 x 4 (home run) = 24
Slugging Percentage = 24/30 x 100 = 80%
Who Leads the MLB in Slugging Percentage in 2020?
In the 2020 MLB season, the highest slugging percentage belongs to Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. Betts is having a career year, batting .292 with 15 home runs and 16 stolen bases. His slugging percentage currently sits at .611. Betts is closely followed by Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who has a slugging percentage of .604. Hoskins has been one of the most consistent hitters in the league this season, batting .278 with 11 home runs and 50 RBIs.
Other Slugging Standouts in 2020
Aside from Betts and Hoskins, there are several other sluggers having impressive seasons in 2020. New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has a slugging percentage of .602 and is tied for the league lead with 15 home runs. Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado has a slugging percentage of .594 and is tied for third in the league with 14 home runs.
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa is having a breakout season and currently has a slugging percentage of .581. He is tied for sixth in the league with 12 home runs and is batting an impressive .312. San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is having a stellar season as well, with a slugging percentage of .571. He is tied for eighth in the league with 11 home runs and is batting .277 with 40 RBIs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts currently leads the MLB in slugging percentage with a mark of .611. He is closely followed by Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins who has a slugging percentage of .604. Along with Betts and Hoskins, there are several other sluggers having impressive seasons in 2020, including Aaron Judge, Nolan Arenado, Carlos Correa, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Slugging percentage is an important measure of offensive performance and these players are proving to be some of the best power hitters in the league.