Who Leads the League in Home Runs in 2022?
Home runs are a great indicator of power and success in baseball. In recent years, the league-leader in home runs has been an exciting race to watch. As the 2022 season approaches, who will lead the league in home runs?
Historical Home Run Leaders
Before we look at the contenders for the 2022 season, let’s take a look at the previous home run leaders. In 2020, the American League leader was New York Yankees’ shortstop, DJ LeMahieu, who hit 10 home runs. In the National League, the leader was Cincinnati Reds’ outfielder, Jesse Winker, who hit 12 home runs.
In 2019, the American League home run leader was Minnesota Twins’ designated hitter, Nelson Cruz, with 41 home runs. In the National League, the leader was Atlanta Braves’ outfielder, Ronald Acuna Jr., with 41 home runs.
Projected 2022 Home Run Leaders
Now that we know the recent home run leaders, let’s look at who is projected to lead the league in 2022.
American League
The American League is projected to be led by:
- Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. Judge has been a consistent home run hitter since he entered the league in 2016, and in 2022 he is projected to hit 38 home runs.
- Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox. Devers has been an up-and-coming power hitter since he made his debut in 2017. In 2022, he is projected to hit 34 home runs.
- Nomar Mazara of the Texas Rangers. Mazara is one of the best young sluggers in the league and is projected to hit 32 home runs in 2022.
National League
The National League is projected to be led by:
- Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers. Yelich has been one of the best power hitters in the National League since he entered the league in 2014. In 2022, he is projected to hit 43 home runs.
- Javier Baez of the Chicago Cubs. Baez is one of the most exciting young players in the league, and in 2022 he is projected to hit 38 home runs.
- Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves. Acuna Jr. has been a consistent power hitter since he made his debut in 2018, and in 2022 he is projected to hit 36 home runs.
Projected Home Run Leaders in Other Leagues
In addition to the American and National Leagues, there are several other professional baseball leagues around the world. Here are the projected home run leaders in some of these other leagues:
- Korea Baseball Organization: Choi Jeong of the NC Dinos is projected to hit 42 home runs in 2022.
- Japan Professional Baseball League: Shogo Akiyama of the Seibu Lions is projected to hit 43 home runs in 2022.
- Chinese Professional Baseball League: Lin Yi-Chuan of the Lamigo Monkeys is projected to hit 37 home runs in 2022.
Factors That Could Affect the Home Run Leaders in 2022
As with any sport, there are several factors that could affect the home run leaders in 2022. These factors include:
- Injuries: Injuries can greatly affect a player’s performance, so any injuries suffered by the projected home run leaders could affect who leads the league in 2022.
- Weather: Inclement weather can affect a player’s performance, so any changes in weather patterns could affect the home run leaders in 2022.
- Changes in the Ballpark: Changes in the ballpark, such as the installation of a humidor, could affect the home run leaders in 2022.
Conclusion
As the 2022 season approaches, the race for the home run leader is sure to be an exciting one. While Aaron Judge, Christian Yelich, and others look to be the front runners for the American and National Leagues, several factors could affect who leads the league in home runs in 2022.
FAQs
- Who is projected to lead the American League in home runs in 2022? Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees is projected to lead the American League in home runs in 2022.
- Who is projected to lead the National League in home runs in 2022? Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers is projected to lead the National League in home runs in 2022.
- What factors could affect the home run leaders in 2022? Injuries, weather, and changes in the ballpark could all affect the home run leaders in 2022.