Every now and then, a surprise player takes MLB by storm to lead the league in a major category seemingly out of the blue.
Such was the case in 2013, when slugging Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis exploded for an MLB-best 53 homers and 138 RBI. But as we look ahead to 2014, we can expect a lot of the same from the usual suspects.
Last year’s MVP-winners and other top candidates like Miguel Cabrera, Mike Trout, Andrew McCutchen and Paul Goldschmidt highlight a few of the favorites to win some of the major statistical categories again in 2014. Meanwhile, aces like Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer and Yu Darvish will be counted on to do big things following their respective successes in 2013.
With about a week left before spring training starts, here’s a look at projected leaders for each of the major statistical categories for the upcoming season.