Year by year
Season Recaps
The narrative history of the league, one season at a time. Each recap is grounded in the real home run notes and career stat lines.
2026 · Buck
Buck arrives in Miami and shatters the rookie power record
121 home runs — no Statcast tracking yet, but the legend begins
The Marlins called up a 285-pound right-handed hitter with a swing built for damage. Buck responded by launching 121 home runs in his first season, setting a single-season benchmark that still stands.
Without per-homer tracking, the numbers live only in box scores and scouting reports, but the league quickly realized this was not a normal rookie.
Note: Per-homer distance, exit velocity and launch angle were not tracked this season.
2026 · Ricky Pickles
Ricky Pickles wins Rookie of the Year in Miami
70 homers in an untracked season, setting the stage for a switch-hitting star
While Buck grabbed the power headlines, Pickles quietly put together a 70-homer rookie campaign that showcased his versatility from both sides of the plate.
The switch-hitter's plate discipline and speed were evident even before Statcast arrived, earning him Rookie of the Year honors.
Note: Per-homer distance, exit velocity and launch angle were not tracked this season.
2027 · Buck
Buck's 118-homer Astros season: the first tracked power peak
A World Series MVP performance backed by elite exit velocity
Moving to Houston unlocked the first fully tracked chapter of Buck's career. He hit 118 home runs with some of the hardest contact in the dataset, including multiple 115+ mph blasts.
The season culminated in a World Series MVP trophy, cementing his reputation as a postseason force.
2027 · Ricky Pickles
Pickles takes over in Houston with 206 tracked homers in progress
The Astros era shows off all-fields power and Derby dominance
Pickles joined Buck in Houston and immediately validated his star status. The switch-hitter's first tracked season is loaded with 110+ mph missiles and opposite-field damage.
He also captured his first Home Run Derby crown, beginning a three-year run as the sport's premier Derby performer.
2028 · Buck
Buck in Kansas City: 97 homers and a third straight MVP
The Royals years proved the power was portable
Buck's move to Kansas City did not slow him down. He hit 97 home runs while maintaining a 1.408 OPS, winning his third consecutive MVP award.
The Royals blue backdrop became familiar to highlight reels as he continued to pull the ball with authority.
2028 · Ricky Pickles
Pickles' Royals season: a batting title and Derby three-peat
Contact, power and clutch hitting define the move to Kansas City
Pickles followed Buck to Kansas City and delivered his finest all-around season, winning a batting title and adding another Silver Slugger.
His third straight Home Run Derby crown made him the face of the midsummer classic.
2029 · Buck
Buck closes the tracked sample with 35 Braves bombs
A smaller sample, but still elite exit velocity and distance
In Atlanta, Buck added 35 more tracked home runs to his résumé. The sample is smaller, but the quality remains: high exit velocity, long distance and the same pull-side destruction.
The Braves navy-and-red era gives a glimpse of how Buck's power might age as he moves deeper into his prime.
2029 · Ricky Pickles
Pickles in Atlanta: chasing milestones with the Braves
The 200th career home run arrives in Braves colors
Pickles reached the 200-homer milestone in an Atlanta uniform, a signature moment in a career built on consistency and big moments.
His All-Star Game MVP trophy this season proved he could shine on the league's biggest stage.