Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox helped his team win the World Series and on Thursday was named the American League’s M.V.P. Harry How/Getty Images
As baseball has been redefined by analytics in recent years, one role that has been largely reconsidered is that of the leadoff batter. No longer is it the realm of the pesky, pitch-spoiler who gets on frequently and steals bases.
The Houston Astros put their leading home run hitter, George Springer, at the top of the order and rode his hot bat to a World Series title in 2017. In spring training, the Yankees tinkered with their lineup briefly by batting Aaron Judge first in an exhibition game.