The National League has witnessed numerous exceptional hitters showcasing their talent throughout the season. Yet, the prestige of securing the NL batting title stands unparalleled. With each game, the quest for the highest batting average becomes more competitive, highlighting the exceptional skill and determination required to top the chart in this closely contested race.
Contenders for NL Batting Title
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani, despite his .294 batting average, is in contention for the batting title. The two-time MVP has the potential to quickly improve his average and possibly catch up to Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves. It’s worth noting that NL hitters have not performed as well this season compared to the previous three seasons. In 2021, Trea Turner led the NL with a .328 batting average; in 2022, Jeff McNeil led the league with a .326 batting average; and in 2023, Luis Arraez led with a .354 batting average. If Ohtani finishes the season strong, he could win his first-ever batting title.
Ketel Marte
Luis Arraez
Arraez has been struggling recently while playing for the San Diego Padres. Despite having a batting average of .307 for San Diego, his average has been consistently decreasing over the last few months. In the past three months, Arraez has hit .257, .279, and .276, which has impacted his chances of winning a third batting title in as many years. However, with his highest average at .308, his chances still seem very promising. In 2022, Arraez hit .316 and secured the AL Batting Title with the Minnesota Twins, and in 2023, he hit .354 and quickly secured the NL batting title with the Miami Marlins. This season, he has a batting average of .305 so far. As a relentless hitter, Arraez is capable of making a strong comeback. Based on his performance over the past few years, he seems like the most likely player to win the title.
Trea Turner
Turner already secured the batting title in 2021, meaning he can do so again. Only five points behind Ozuna, Turner could quickly use a hot streak to overtake Ozuna for the batting title. Unfortunately, Turner has batted .255 in August, lowering his average by 12 points since the beginning of the month. However, with a solid end to his season, Turner may be able to overcome his stiff competition.
Marcell Ozuna
Ozuna has overperformed this season, even though he had his most excellent campaign last year. Ozuna has hit 37 home runs this season, driven in 98 runs, and managed a beautiful .308 average. Ozuna has only hit above .300 twice in his career, once for the Miami Marlins and once for the Braves. However, despite his stiff competition, Ozuna has consistently hit a high average regardless of the time. In July, Ozuna hit .302, but then in August, he hit .333.
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