MLB Hits Leaders 2018
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the premier professional baseball league in the United States and Canada. Every year, thousands of players compete for the title of hits leader, which is awarded to the player who records the most hits in a single season. In 2018, a number of players had impressive performances at the plate, but only one player managed to take home the title of MLB hits leader.
Who Led the MLB in Hits in 2018?
The 2018 MLB hits leader was none other than José Ramírez of the Cleveland Indians. Ramírez recorded a spectacular total of 213 hits during the regular season, finishing well ahead of the competition. He was followed by players such as Francisco Lindor (201 hits), Whit Merrifield (192 hits), Mookie Betts (189 hits), and Jose Altuve (185 hits).
José Ramírez’s Impressive Performance
Ramírez’s performance in 2018 was nothing short of remarkable. He played in all 162 games of the regular season and finished with a batting average of .270, an on-base percentage of .387, and a slugging percentage of .552. He also led the league in extra base hits (75), total bases (354), and runs scored (105).
Other Notable Performances
While Ramírez was the clear leader in terms of total hits, there were a number of other players who had impressive performances in 2018.
Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians finished second in terms of total hits with 201. He also had a solid batting average of .277, an on-base percentage of .352, and a slugging percentage of .519. He finished with a total of 42 doubles, 38 home runs, and 129 runs batted in (RBI).
Whit Merrifield
Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals finished third in total hits with 192. He was also an impressive all-around performer, finishing with a batting average of .304, an on-base percentage of .367, and a slugging percentage of .438. He also totaled 34 doubles, 12 home runs, and 60 RBI.
Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox finished fourth in total hits with 189. Betts had a batting average of .346, an on-base percentage of .438, and a slugging percentage of .640. He also managed to hit 32 doubles, 32 home runs, and 80 RBI.
Jose Altuve
Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros rounded out the top five with 185 hits. He finished with a batting average of .316, an on-base percentage of .386, and a slugging percentage of .451. He also totaled 35 doubles, 13 home runs, and 61 RBI.
MLB Hits Leaders Since 2000
While José Ramírez was the 2018 leader in total hits, there have been a number of other players who have led the MLB in hits since 2000. Here is a list of the players who have led the league in hits since 2000:
- 2000: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
- 2001: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
- 2002: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
- 2003: Miguel Tejada (Oakland Athletics)
- 2004: Miguel Tejada (Baltimore Orioles)
- 2005: Miguel Tejada (Baltimore Orioles)
- 2006: Derek Jeter (New York Yankees)
- 2007: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
- 2008: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
- 2009: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
- 2010: Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle Mariners)
- 2011: Curtis Granderson (New York Yankees)
- 2012: Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)
- 2013: Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)
- 2014: José Altuve (Houston Astros)
- 2015: José Altuve (Houston Astros)
- 2016: Mookie Betts (Boston Red Sox)
- 2017: José Altuve (Houston Astros)
- 2018: José Ramírez (Cleveland Indians)
As you can see, José Ramírez is the latest addition to an impressive list of players who have led the MLB in hits since 2000.
Conclusion
The 2018 season was a memorable one for José Ramírez and the Cleveland Indians. Ramírez managed to record an impressive total of 213 hits, which was enough to lead the league and earn him the title of 2018 MLB hits leader. He was followed by a number of impressive performances from other players such as Francisco Lindor, Whit Merrifield, Mookie Betts, and Jose Altuve.
Ramírez’s performance marks the latest addition to an impressive list of players who have led the MLB in hits since 2000. It is safe to say that Ramírez is in good company and his performance will be remembered for years to come.