Three weeks into the 2026 Major League Baseball season, if you scan the stat leaders for each league, you’ll find some names that are unfamiliar to you unless you are a devout baseball fan. They may not be there at the end of September, but they are there in mid-April. Yes, you’ll see some of the veteran staples listed as well, but today let’s put the spotlight on the I’ve-never-heard-of-him guys. In fact, some of these players may make you say … let me check that stat again.
Give Me Some Pop
In the National League, two guys from the NL Central you might not know are currently leading the Senior Circuit in home runs.
- Jordan Walker has blasted eight long balls so far to lead the NL. In only 17 games, he is already halfway to his career high of 16 set in 2023. He also has a league-best .734 slugging %. Once a can’t-miss prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, maybe this is the year to fly for this Redbird.
- Acquired via trade in the winter, Brandon Lowe’s seven homers are right behind the NL leader. This second baseman for the Pirates was overshadowed in the top-heavy American League East for years, but he is actually one of the all-time leaders in home runs for the Rays. So, this power display by Bamm-Bamm isn’t a huge shocker.
Not Homer or Bart
A Simpson family member is currently the only man in MLB with a .400+ batting average. It’s not Homer or Bart either: his name is Chandler Simpson. This speedster for the Tampa Bay Rays is hitting at a .407 clip; that includes an AL-best 24 hits. With his penchant for infield hits and bunt singles, this dude may be able to sustain a .300+ average for the season and possibly win a batting title in the AL.
Some More Rice Please
Outside of the Bronx, many baseball fans don’t know Ben Rice, but they are finding out in 2026. Major League Baseball pitchers are also finding out. This first baseman for the Yankees currently leads all of baseball in OBP (.500), slugging % (.745), and OPS (1.245). It’s too early to call Rice the second coming of The Iron Horse or Donnie Baseball, but he is providing some needed protection for Aaron Judge in the Bombers’ lineup.
The Angel on the Mound
Here is a trivia question I doubt even the most ardent followers of the MLB would nail … what pitcher currently leads the American League in WAR (1.8), wins (four), ERA (.33), strikeouts (31), and WHIP (.667)? If you guessed Jose Soriano, you get an all-expenses-paid trip to Anaheim. This Opening Day starter for the Angels has been practically flawless in his four outings. That includes back-to-back games with 10 K’s. A once marginal pitcher is developing into a Halo ace.
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
