MLB Players of the Month for July 2024

Introduction

July is an exciting month across Major League Baseball. It features the all star break as well as the trade deadline. It is a busy month for players and can pose many distractions that could hinder on-field production. However, the players featured in this post did not let any of that get to their head. They excelled in the month of July and as a result have earned the recognition as my players of the month and/or earned a spot on my team of the month.

Hitters of the Month

National League: CF Brenton Doyle, Colorado Rockies

Key Stats: .337 AVG, .400 OBP, .800 SLG, 1.191 OPS, 208 WRC+, .491 wOBA

Doyle is a second year center fielder for the Colorado Rockies. He entered the month of July with just a 78 WRC+ making him a well below average hitter. In fact prior to July 2024 he hadn't produced much at the plate at all early in his career. His value had always come on the base paths and on defense. He won the gold glove award in center field in his rookie season as well as having elite speed. The production with the bat just never came until now. He led all NL hitters in SLG, OPS, WRC+, and wOBA. Doyle's performance in July was one of the best months by a Rockies hitter ever. He finished with an .800 SLG which was only the 5th time a player has done that for the Rockies in at least 24 starts. The Rockies hope to see more of this production from their young center fielder In the future as he is a huge part of their young core.

American League: SS Bobby Witt Jr, Kansas City Royals

Key Stats: .483 AVG, .505 OBP, .839 SLG, 1.344 OPS, 267 WRC+, .559 wOBA

There were several incredible performances to choose from in the AL. However, the Royals sensational shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. just edged out the likes of Brent Rooker, Aaron Judge, Lawrence Butler, and Juan Soto. He led the AL in AVG, OBP, WRC+, and wOBA. Witt went into July already solidified as one of the best hitters in baseball. He was rightfully named to the All-Star team and was the runner-up in the home run derby. The month of July was no exception to Witt's incredible 2024 season. He padded all of his stats and solidified himself as an MVP contender (Although the award is still obviously Judge's to lose). The likely won't be the last time the Royals 24 year old shortstop gets a player of the month feature.

Pitchers of the Month

National League: SP Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres

Key Stats: 2.48 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 3.04 FIP, 2.68 XFIP, 2.72 SIERA, 43 SO, 10 BB

Dylan Cease is in his first season with the Padres after being acquired through a trade with the White Sox in the off-season. He is the ace of the Padres pitching staff and showed why in July. Prior to July he had been slightly disappointing with a 3.84 ERA. However, he did have a 3.11 FIP and 3.24 XFIP which showed he may have been getting unlucky early on in the year. It all came together for Cease in July. Not only did he have fantastic numbers all month, he tossed a no-hitter against the Nationals a week ago. The Padres are arguably the hottest team in baseball right now and hope to make the playoffs and make a deep playoff run. If that is to happen they will need more of this production from Cease.

American League: SP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

Key Stats: 2.45 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 2.25 FIP, 2.20 XFIP, 2.49 SIERA, 42 SO, 5 BB

Despite his name being floated around in trade rumors all month, Skull went out and delivered for the Tigers. He was top 3 in the AL in FIP, and SIERA; along with being first in XFIP. The 27 year old lefty is on track to win his first career Cy Young this season. He has been outstanding all year and July just added to his Cy Young resume. Skubal would have been a game changer for a contender at the deadline but he will remain in Detroit for the time being. It is inevitable that the Tigers get a haul of top prospects for him eventually.