1. Atlanta Braves — Ronald Acuna Jr.
Lifetime Stats (through 2023): 161 HR, 402 RBI, 767 H, 180 SB, .292/.381/.537
The Atlanta roster is loaded with All-Star talent, but Ronald Acuna Jr. stands out as the brightest star. The 2018 National League Rookie of the Year reached new milestones in 2023, leading the league in several key categories: runs (149), hits (217), stolen bases (73), and on-base percentage (.416). Capitalizing on new rule changes, Acuna shattered his previous record with 36 more steals, showcasing his incredible speed and agility on the basepaths. With the rare ability to hit for both power and average, Acuna is a dominant presence at the plate. If he maintains this level of play, the Hall of Fame is undoubtedly in his future.
2. Houston Astros — Justin Verlander
Lifetime Stats (through 2023): 257-141, 3.24 ERA, 3342 SO
Houston’s roster boasts several potential Hall of Famers, but Justin Verlander is the most certain candidate. In his rookie season with the Tigers in 2006, Verlander went 17-9, earned Rookie of the Year honors, and placed seventh in Cy Young voting. With a devastating curveball and a blazing fastball, Verlander dominated the American League in 2011, capturing both the Cy Young and MVP awards. That year, he secured the Triple Crown by winning 24 games, posting a 2.40 ERA, and striking out 250 batters. Over a decade later, the veteran right-hander has added three Cy Young awards and three second-place finishes to his impressive resume.
3. Los Angeles Angels — Mike Trout
Lifetime Stats (through 2023): 368 HR, 940 RBI, 1624 H, 206 SB, .301/.412/.582
In recent years, the Angels have had a lineup featuring future first-ballot Hall of Famers like Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Shohei Ohtani. Heading into the new season, Trout is the last of the trio still with the team. Once regarded as the game’s top player, Trout is on track to secure a place among the top 15 players in MLB history. Beyond his impressive stats, Trout, now in his early 30s, has claimed three MVP awards and finished as runner-up four times. Known for his all-around talent—hitting, speed, and fielding—Trout remains an elite player, though injuries have impacted him in recent seasons.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers — Clayton Kershaw
Lifetime Stats (through 2023): 210-92, 2.48 ERA, 2944 SO
The current Dodgers roster has a few future Hall of Famers (Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani), but Kershaw is the clear standout. The sensational lefty has the lowest career-ERA of any pitcher since the live ball era began in 1920. He has won three NL Cy Young Awards, claimed the Triple Crown in 2011, and the MVP in ’14. Kershaw’s arsenal at his peak — mid-90s fastball, the game’s best curveball and arguably the top slider — was unmatched by his peers. Even as he ages, he remains great.
5. Texas Rangers — Max Scherzer
Lifetime Stats (through 2023): 214-108, 3.15 ERA, 3367 SO
After a solid yet unspectacular start to his career, Max Scherzer became a superstar in his sixth season. Beginning in 2013, Scherzer went on to win three Cy Young Awards — one with Detroit and two with Washington — along with eight top-5 finishes. With three Cy Youngs, two World Series titles, and over 3,000 strikeouts to his name, Scherzer is a lock for first-ballot Hall of Fame induction.
