Happy Thanksgiving, baseball fans! As we gather to reflect on what we’re thankful for, there’s a lot to celebrate within the world of baseball. While football may dominate the holiday, the joy of baseball remains a constant companion through long summer nights. As we enjoy the festivities, here’s a look at one thing fans of each MLB team can be thankful for this year.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin Carroll’s Strong Second Half
After a tough start to 2024, Corbin Carroll rebounded to finish the season strong, showing why he earned the Rookie of the Year honor in 2023. His performance after June 5 — when he was hitting just .192 — was a revelation, with Carroll posting .256/.348/.522 numbers and helping the Diamondbacks push through to a solid finish.
Atlanta Braves: The Chris Sale Trade
The Braves pulled off one of the offseason’s best moves by trading for Chris Sale. Despite his injury history, Sale proved to be a difference-maker in 2024, posting a stellar 2.38 ERA and winning his first Cy Young Award. The best part? The Braves gave up very little to get him, making this one of the most lopsided trades in recent memory.
Baltimore Orioles: New Ownership
After a season of success, the Orioles have reason to be even more hopeful, thanks to the ownership change to billionaire David Rubenstein. With new leadership, GM Mike Elias now has the resources to further strengthen the roster, making the Orioles a team to watch in the coming seasons.
Boston Red Sox: Revamped Pitching Development
After years of struggling in pitcher development, the Red Sox are finally back on track. Under the leadership of CBO Craig Breslow and new pitching coach Andrew Bailey, the team is making strides in developing their pitching staff, including breakout performances from young arms like Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford.
Chicago Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Elite Defense
While it’s too early to tell if Pete Crow-Armstrong will develop into an offensive powerhouse, his glove has already made him one of the best center fielders in the game. His defensive prowess is a game-changer and has provided plenty of highlight-reel moments for Cubs fans to enjoy.
Chicago White Sox: Garrett Crochet’s Breakout
Garrett Crochet’s transition into the White Sox rotation was one of the few bright spots in a dismal 2024 season. Crochet earned an All-Star nod and the Comeback Player of the Year award, becoming a key asset for the Sox — and a likely trade piece as they enter a rebuilding phase.
Cincinnati Reds: Elly De La Cruz’s Electric Talent
Elly De La Cruz continues to dazzle with his rare combination of power, speed, and an electric arm. Although his strikeout numbers were high, his overall talent made him one of the most exciting players to watch in 2024. Reds fans have something truly special to look forward to with De La Cruz leading the charge.
Cleveland Guardians: Baseball’s Best Bullpen
Cleveland’s bullpen was the unsung hero of their 92-win season. Led by Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, and Cade Smith, the Guardians’ relief corps helped secure the AL Central title and make a deep playoff run. With nearly all the key pieces returning, Cleveland’s bullpen looks primed to continue being one of the league’s most formidable units.
Colorado Rockies: Coors Field
While the Rockies continue to struggle on the field, fans can still take pride in watching games at Coors Field — one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks. Set in the heart of Denver, it remains a top destination for fans, offering a fantastic atmosphere and scenic views, even during tough seasons.
Detroit Tigers: Tarik Skubal’s Cy Young Award
Tarik Skubal’s stunning performance in 2024, which earned him a unanimous Cy Young Award, was a highlight for the Tigers. After years of development, Skubal has firmly established himself as one of the league’s top pitchers and gives Detroit a true ace to build around for years to come.
Houston Astros: Hunter Brown’s Resurgence
Hunter Brown’s midseason turnaround was one of the Astros’ most encouraging stories of 2024. After struggling early in the year, Brown found his rhythm and finished strong, providing Houston with another powerful arm for their playoff push. His growth is a positive sign for the team as they look to maintain their dominance in the AL.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, there’s plenty to be thankful for in the world of baseball. From breakout performances to organizational shifts, the future is bright for fans of all 30 MLB teams. So sit back, relax, and savor the excitement ahead — baseball is always there to keep us entertained.
