Kyle Schwarber has maintained his position at number two in the latest Hitter Power Rankings, according to MLB.com’s data team. The rankings, which take into account recent performance, season-long statistics, and results over the past year, saw five new players enter the top 10 this week.
Schwarber’s recent performance included a historic game last Thursday where he became the 21st player on record to hit four home runs in a single Major League game and collected nine RBIs. However, outside of that game, Schwarber has struggled at the plate recently, going 2-for-35 with no home runs and one RBI in his other ten games since August 22.
Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers continues to lead the rankings. Ohtani had a slow end to August but began September strongly by hitting two doubles and a 120-mph home run against Pittsburgh. He is now just four home runs away from reaching another 50-homer season with Los Angeles.
Nick Kurtz of the Athletics holds onto third place after maintaining strong offensive numbers following his own four-home-run game earlier in the season. Juan Soto of the Mets moved into fourth after a productive month that put him close to achieving a 30-30 season.
George Springer of the Blue Jays climbed into fifth as he rebounded from two challenging seasons and now boasts his career-best OPS+. Other notable names include Ramón Laureano (Padres), Aaron Judge (Yankees), Giancarlo Stanton (Yankees), Bo Bichette (Blue Jays), and Brice Turang (Brewers).
Trea Turner of the Phillies was listed among several players receiving honorable mentions for their recent performances.
“Last Thursday, Schwarber became the 21st player on record to hit four home runs in a Major League game, also racking up nine RBIs. That might have helped launch him back to the top spot; however, Schwarber is only 2-for-35 with no homers and one RBI in his other 10 games since Aug. 22.”
###
