The 2024 MLB season will be remembered for its unprecedented achievements and captivating storylines, none more compelling than the feats of Shohei Ohtani and Jose Iglesias. Both players drew national attention not only for their statistical performances but also for the transformative impact they had on their respective teams.
A Season of Milestones for Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani's 2024 campaign was a cornucopia of record-breaking achievements, catapulting him into MLB's storied history. Winning the National League MVP title was merely the capstone of a season that saw Ohtani lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series victory. His dual-threat prowess in both pitching and batting continued to defy conventional baseball wisdom, but it was his historic base-stealing and slugging numbers that truly stood out.
Ohtani achieved what no player before him had—hitting 50 home runs and swiping 50 bases in a single season. In an era where specialization has long been admired as a hallmark of excellence, Ohtani's versatility has shifted paradigms, inspiring a new generation of players who aspire to master both sides of the ball.
Jose Iglesias: The Spark of an Underdog
While Ohtani's achievements placed him in headlines, Jose Iglesias quietly became the heart and soul of a New York Mets squad that outperformed expectations. Operating largely as a utility infielder, Iglesias posted a remarkable .337 batting average. With four home runs and 26 RBIs over the course of 85 games, his stats might not scream MVP on paper. Yet, Iglesias's influence stretched beyond mere numbers.
According to Nicholas Castellanos, the outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, "If you're looking at the MVP as having the most weight on creating wins for your team, there's no other player that has had that much weight as Jose Iglesias." Such an endorsement underscores Iglesias's intangibles—his ability to galvanize teammates and inspire performances that ignited the Mets’ postseason run.
A Cultural and Musical Influence
Off the field, Iglesias was no less influential. He became a cultural icon for Mets fans by releasing a song titled "OMG," which quickly ascended to anthem status among the Mets faithful in 2024. His artistic influence extended into the clubhouse, where he was credited with rejuvenating the spirits of key players such as Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos. "I think with him being able to come in and bring that Latin spark, (it) knocked the ice off Lindor, finally got Vientos comfortable (to be) an everyday third baseman, and now a bunch of guys that looked like they had no direction... they made the playoffs," Castellanos explained.
Iglesias did not merely augment the team’s offensive production; he revitalized its essence. His magnetic presence and talent for fostering camaraderie turned a disparate group into a cohesive squad, eventually propelling the Mets into the competitive spotlight.
The Metamorphosis of Mark Vientos
Amidst this backdrop of transformation, Mark Vientos emerged as a vital contributor, cementing his role as the Mets' everyday third baseman. While initial expectations were modest, the synergies within the team, sparked by Iglesias's unique leadership style, saw Vientos flourish. His comfort and confidence grew throughout the season, not least due to the cultural shift that Iglesias inspired.
The tale of these two extraordinary athletes—Ohtani and Iglesias—does more than enrich the annals of baseball legacy; it defines what it means to be impactful both as individuals and as teammates. Their ability to transcend typical roles and shatter preconceived limits left an indelible mark on the 2024 season. In different ways, both were architects of their franchises' successes, redefining excellence in their relentless pursuit of victory.