While it may be easier for baseball fans to watch games from the comfort of their homes and on their smartphones, it doesn’t compare to seeing players perform in person.
If you’re thinking of getting out to the ballpark this season, consider planning to see these baseball players that every fan should try to see play live at least once.
Shohei Ohtani, RHP/DH, Los Angeles Dodgers
Perhaps no baseball player or professional athlete today is more must-see than Shohei Ohtani. In recent years, Ohtani became baseball’s best player and a global sensation due to his unprecedented success as a two-way MLB player.
In 2024, Ohtani switched sides in Los Angeles to leave the Angels for the Dodgers, so if your local team has the Dodgers on the schedule, you won’t want to miss them.
Unfortunately, an injury will prevent Ohtani from pitching in 2024, but his explosive batting prowess is still well worth the price of admission.
Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees
Another baseball player every fan should try to see play live is the leader of the Bronx Bombers, Aaron Judge.
While 2023 was considered a “down” year for Judge, as injuries limited him to only 106 games and 37 home runs, fans should still take every opportunity to witness Judge take an at-bat in person.
In 2022, Judge became the biggest story in baseball when he broke Roger Maris’ six-decade-old American League home run record with 62 home runs. If you’re going to see Judge play, consider the outfield—you might catch a Judge homer!
Mike Trout, CF, Los Angeles Angels
The rise of Ohtani’s popularity has somewhat overshadowed another Angels star, centerfielder Mike Trout. While not in his prime anymore,
Trout is considered one of the greatest baseball players ever, with his exceptional abilities in all facets of the game. Hitting for contact, hitting for power, defense, baserunning, and more—there’s nothing Trout isn’t exceptional at.
Ronald Acuña Jr., RF, Atlanta Braves
In 2023, Acuña Jr. exploded onto the scene and stole the National League MVP award. That’s not just an expression; Acuña Jr. ran his way to the award with an Atlanta Braves’ franchise record of 73 stolen bases.
Watching Acuña Jr. run the bases is something special and worth the ticket. Oh, and he’s also one of the best hitters in the game, so he gets on base plenty!
Elly De La Cruz, SS, Cincinnati Reds
No rookie made more headlines with his outstanding play in 2023 than Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz. He may have only appeared in 98 games during the season, but he made the most of it with his bat and glove.
In his 15th MLB game, he hit for the cycle—something no Reds player had done in over three decades. The tall, lanky shortstop oozes talent and athleticism and is poised to become one of baseball’s biggest stars.
Luckily for baseball fans, many other players could have made this list! It’s a great time to be an MLB fan, so even if your favorite team isn’t the most competitive, there are plenty of great players you’ll want to see play ball.
