The MLB season is more than halfway over. At this point, players have solidified themselves on new teams and grown new fans and popularity. Here are the top five international players in jersey sales this year.
The Dodgers’ free-agent acquisition Shohei Ohtani’s jersey has been the most sold in the 2024 MLB season. Even though the two-way player is coming off Tommy John surgery and cannot pitch this season, the expectations for the Japanese-born superstar were sky-high. Ohtani has met and exceeded expectations in his new home, batting .314 with 30 home runs and 73 RBIs.
Even though Acuña has been injured and hasn’t played for the Braves since late May, the 26-year-old Venezuelan outfielder is still a fan favorite. Last year, Acuña led the Braves to their sixth consecutive NL East division title, hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases. Acuña is one of five players in MLB history to join the 40 home run 40 steal club.
The Yankees made a big move in free agency this offseason, signing power-hitting outfielder Juan Soto. This year, the 25-year-old Dominican-born outfielder has been outstanding for the Yankees, batting .308 with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs. The Yankees have the best-hitting outfield in the MLB, led by Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. The historic ball club has 27 World Series Titles, and it is reasonable to assume that by signing Soto in 2023, the Yankees are poised to contend for another World Series title.
Francisco Lindor has been one of the best shortstops in the MLB for some time now, leading the Cleveland Indians to the World Series in 2016. Since being signed by the Mets in 2021, Lindor has continued to shine under the bright lights in New York. The 30-year-old Puerto Rican has been a terrific fielder this year, having an outs above average (OAA) in the 98th percentile this season. Although people around the league, especially Mets fans, were dismayed that Lindor was once again snubbed from the All-Star game, he has been terrific in the regular season and has helped put the club in playoff position in the stacked NL East.
Fernando Taitis Jr. has been one of the most marketable players in the MLB since entering the league in 2019. After playing just two seasons, Tatis was the cover athlete for MLB The Show 2k21. Recently, Tatis has struggled to get on to the field due to injury problems. However, the 25-year-old Dominican has still had an extremely productive 2024 season, batting .279 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs. Tatis has been a superstar since entering the league five years ago, and his jersey sales continue to reflect that.
Photo Credit: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a 473 feet home run in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium on July 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
