It is with great pleasure that we continue the third annual Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Season Cup, and let us explain how this works:

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.

We knew the following:

-       The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.

-       In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, and overall favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing less innings than in previous generations. This also is true for closers, which is not made for this process.

-       Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

At present 906 (up from 886 last week) players have generated at least one Cup Point.

So, MLB players! Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

This is the ninth update, with standings as of the morning of July 17.

1. Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Angels, Designated Hitter & Pitcher: (Ranked #1 last week)

146 Cup Points, 92 Games, 1.59 Cup Points per Game, 34 Home Runs, 73 Runs Batted In, 11 SB, .301/.386/.665, 6.5 bWAR & 7-5, 3.32 ERA, 132 SO, 1.096 WHIP.

The Notinhalloffame Cup is built for Ohtani, who can compile points in two different avenues; the only one who can do so. Ohtani has been brilliant this week, and the chasm between the top spot and second spot continues to grow. Ohtani has cooled off with his Pitching, but is still third in Strikeouts (139). With his bat, Ohtani is the current American League leader in Home Runs (34), Triples (6), Slugging (.665), OPS (1.051), OPS+ (180) and Total Bases (236), while also being second in RBIs (73), fourth in OBP (.386) and seventh in Batting (.301). The AL MVP is his to lose.

2. Ronald Acuna: Atlanta Braves, Outfield: (Ranked #2 Last Week)

122 Cup Points, 92 Games, 1.33 Cup Points per Game, 23 Home Runs, 58 Runs Batted In, 43 SB, .333/.414/.583, 5.4 bWAR.

Acuna leads all National League batters in Stolen Bases (43), Runs Scored (82), Slugging (.583), OPS (1.007), OPS+ (167) Total Bases (219) and bWAR (5.4). He is also second in Batting (.333) and third in OBP (.414).

3. Mookie Betts: Los Angeles Dodgers, Outfield: (#6, Last Week)

111 Cup Points, 89 Games, 1.25 Cup Points per Game, 27 Home Runs, 65 Runs Batted In, 7 SB, .286/.387/.592, 4.5 bWAR.

Betts has been on fire going into the All-Star Game, where he took over the National League Slugging lead for a brief time. He is also second in OPS (.979) and sixth in OBP (.387).

4. Rafael Devers: Boston Red Sox, Third Base: (Ranked #3 Last Week)

103 Cup Points, 90 Games, 1.14 Cup Points per Game, 23 Home Runs, 73 Runs Batted In, 2 SB, .261/.330/.523, 2.0 bWAR.

Devers remains a surprise being so high as he was not in the All-Star Game, nor was considered a significant snub. He and is currently third in the AL in RBIs (73) and fourth in Home Runs (23).

5. (TIE) Corbin Carroll: Arizona Diamondbacks, Outfield: (Ranked #8, Last Week)

99 Cup Points, 89 Games, 1.11 Cup Points per Game, 18 Home Runs, 48 Runs Batted In, 26 SB, .284/.359/.534, 3.8 bWAR.

Carroll is running away with the National League Rookie of the Year Award, and it is only July! At present, the young Outfielder is sixth in the National League in bWAR (3.8), and is in the top ten in Slugging (.534), OPS (.894), Runs (64) and Stolen Bases (26).

5. (TIE) Juan Soto: San Diego Padres, Outfield: (Ranked #4, Last Week)

99 Cup Points, 90 Games, 1.07 Cup Points per Game, 15 Home Runs, 51 Runs Batted In, 6 SB, .262/.414/.478, 3.2 bWAR.

Soto is still the National League leader in Walks (86) and is second in OBP (.414) and eighth in OPS (.893).

7. Matt Olson: Atlanta Braves, First Base: (Ranked #7 Last Week)

98 Cup Points, 93 Games, 1.07 Cup Points per Game, 30 Home Runs, 77 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .258/.360/.573, 2.6 bWAR.

Olson has the National League lead in both Home Runs (30) and RBIs (77) and he is also third in Slugging (.573) and fourth in OPS (.933).

8. Luis Arraez: Miami Marlins, Second Base: (#8, Last Week)

96 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.13 Cup Points per Game, 3 Home Runs, 41 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .380/.431/.468, 4.0 bWAR.

Arraez is the runaway leader in Batting Average and is also the National League leader in Hits (130) and On Base Percentage (.431). He also has a very impressive Slugging Percentage (.468) for a player with only three Home Runs.

9. Luis Robert: Chicago White Sox, Outfield: (Unranked, Last Week)

90 Cup Points, 92 Games, 0.98 Cup Points per Game, 27 Home Runs, 56 Runs Batted In, 8 SB, .276/.332/.575, 4.2 bWAR.

Robert makes a triumphant return to the top ten and is currently second in the AL in Home Runs (27) and bWAR (4.2). He is also third in Slugging (.575) and fourth in OPS (.908).

10. Jorge Soler: Miami Marlins, Outfield & Designated Hitter: (#9, Last Week)

89 Cup Points, 91 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 24 Home Runs, 52 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .246/.346/.521, 1.5 bWAR.

Soler is playing more and more at DH this year, but he is providing the Marlins incredible offense. He is fifth in NL Home Runs (22), and seventh in Extra Base Hits (42).

Texas’ Marcus Semien fell out of the top ten.

Our next update will be the afternoon of July 24.

It is with great pleasure that we continue the third annual Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Season Cup, and let us explain how this works:

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.

We knew the following:

-       The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.

-       In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, and overall favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing less innings than in previous generations. This also is true for closers, which is not made for this process.

-       Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

At present 886 (up from 865 last week) Players have generated at least one Cup Point.

So, MLB players! Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

This is the eighth update, with standings as of the morning of July 4.

1. Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Angels, Designated Hitter & Pitcher: (Ranked #1 last week)

142 Cup Points, 85 Games, 1.67 Cup Points per Game, 31 Home Runs, 68 Runs Batted In, 11 SB, .303/.390/.664, 6.7 bWAR & 7-3, 3.02 ERA, 127 SO, 1.038 WHIP.

The Notinhalloffame Cup is built for Ohtani, who can compile points in two different avenues; the only one who can do so. Ohtani has been brilliant this week, and the chasm between the top spot and second spot continues to grow. He is off to a good pitching start, leading the AL in H/9 (5.7), SO/9 (12.0) and is second in Strikeouts (127). With his bat, Ohtani is the current American League leader in Home Runs (31), Triples (5), Slugging (.664), OPS (1.054), OPS+ (183) and Total Bases (217), whie also being second in RBIs (68), third in OBP (.390) and seventh in Batting (.303). The AL MVP is his to lose.

2. Ronald Acuna: Atlanta Braves, Outfield: (Ranked #2 Last Week)

113 Cup Points, 84 Games, 1.35 Cup Points per Game, 21 Home Runs, 54 Runs Batted In, 40 SB, .335/.413/.599, 4.9 bWAR.

Acuna leads all National League batters in Stolen Bases (40), Runs Scored (77), Slugging (.599), OPS (1.012), OPS+ (168) Total Bases (202) and bWAR (4.9). He is also second in Batting (.335), and fourth in OBP (.413).

3. Rafael Devers: Boston Red Sox, Third Base: (Ranked #6 Last Week)

94 Cup Points, 81 Games, 1.16 Cup Points per Game, 20 Home Runs, 66 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .256/.326/.505, 1.8 bWAR.

Devers remains a surprise as he vaulted back to #3. #6 and is currently third in the AL in RBIs (60) and fourth in Home Runs (20).

4. Juan Soto: San Diego Padres, Outfield: (Ranked #3, Last Week)

93 Cup Points, 85 Games, 1.10 Cup Points per Game, 15 Home Runs, 46 Runs Batted In, 6 SB, .277/.426/.500, 3.7 bWAR.

Soto is still the National League leader in Walks (77) and is second in OBP (.426) and OPS (.926). He is also fourth in bWAR (3.7), OPS (.927).

5. Matt Olson: Atlanta Braves, First Base: (Ranked #8 Last Week)

91 Cup Points, 84 Games, 0.96 Cup Points per Game, 28 Home Runs, 68 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .250/.354/.571, 1.8 bWAR.

Olson is on fire and has the National League lead in both Home Runs (28) and RBIs (68). He is also second in Slugging (.571) and third in OPS (.925).

6 (TIE). Mookie Betts: Los Angeles Dodgers, Outfield: (#10, Last Week)

90 Cup Points, 77 Games, 0.96 Cup Points per Game, 22 Home Runs, 56 Runs Batted In, 7 SB, .268/.371/.550, 3.8 bWAR.

Betts had a phenomenal week, where he moved up to eighth in bWAR (3.6), fifth in Slugging (.550) and sixth in OPS (.920). He is also in the top four in both Home Runs and Runs Batted In.

6 (TIE). Luis Arraez: Miami Marlins, Second Base: (#4, Last Week)

90 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.13 Cup Points per Game, 3 Home Runs, 41 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .388/.438/.479, 3.7 bWAR.

Arraez is flirting with a .400 Batting Average and he is currently the National League leader in Hits (119), Batting Average (.388) and On Base Percentage (.438). He also has a very impressive Slugging Percentage (.479) for a player with only three Home Runs.

8. Corbin Carroll: Arizona Diamondbacks, Outfield: (Ranked #7, Last Week)

86 Cup Points, 80 Games, 1.08 Cup Points per Game, 17 Home Runs, 44 Runs Batted In, 24 SB, .289/.365/.557, 3.7 bWAR.

Carroll is running away with the National League Rookie of the Year Award, and it is only July! At present, the young Outfielder is seventh in the National League in bWAR (3.7), and is in the top ten in Batting Average (.289), OBP (.365), Slugging (.557), Runs (60), Home Runs (17) and Stolen Bases (24).

9. Jorge Soler: Miami Marlins, Outfield & Designated Hitter: (#5, Last Week)

84 Cup Points, 75 Games, 1.12 Cup Points per Game, 22 Home Runs, 47 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .242/.338/.513, 1.2 bWAR.

Soler is playing more and more at DH this year, but he is providing the Marlins incredible offense. He is third in NL Home Runs (22), and sixth in Championship WPA (1.4).

10. Marcus Semien: Texas Rangers, Shortstop: (Ranked #9, Last Week)

81 Cup Points, 77 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 11 Home Runs, 56 Runs Batted In, 9 SB, .283/.347/.456, 3.6 bWAR.

Semien is having an outstanding 2023, though he has substantially cooled off in the last month. He is the current AL leader in Runs Scored (67) and is fourth in bWAR for Position Players (3.6).

Houston’s Alex Bregman fell out of the top ten.

Our next update will be the afternoon of July 10.

It is with great pleasure that we continue the third annual Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Season Cup, and let us explain how this works:

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.

We knew the following:

-       The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.

-       In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, and overall favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing less innings than in previous generations. This also is true for closers, which is not made for this process.

-       Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

At present 865 (up from 847 last week) Players have generated at least one Cup Point.

So, MLB players! Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

This is the eighth update, with standings as of the morning of June 26.

1. Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Angels, Designated Hitter & Pitcher: (Ranked #1 last week)

126 Cup Points, 77 Games, 1.64 Cup Points per Game, 25 Home Runs, 61 Runs Batted In, 10 SB, .297/.377/.623, 5.4 bWAR & 6-3, 3.13 ERA, 117 SO, 1.045 WHIP.

The Notinhalloffame Cup is built for Ohtani, who can compile points in two different avenues; the only one who can do so. Ohtani has been brilliant this week, and the chasm between the top spot and second spot has never been higher. He is off to a good pitching start, leading the AL in H/9 (5.7), SO/9 (11.8) and is third in Strikeouts (117). With his bat, Ohtani is the current American League leader in Home Runs (25), Runs Batted In (61), Slugging (.623), OPS (1.001) and OPS+ (170) and Total Bases (187). The AL MVP is his to lose.

2. Ronald Acuna: Atlanta Braves, Outfield: (Ranked #2 Last Week)

94 Cup Points, 77 Games, 1.22 Cup Points per Game, 16 Home Runs, 47 Runs Batted In, 35 SB, .328/.402/.561, 4.2 bWAR.

Acuna leads all National League batters in Stolen Bases (30), Runs Scored (67), Slugging (.561), OPS (.962) Total Bases (176) and bWAR (4.2). He is also second in Batting (.328), and fifth in OBP (.402).

3. Juan Soto: San Diego Padres, Outfield: (Ranked #5, Last Week)

89 Cup Points, 79 Games, 1.13 Cup Points per Game, 14 Home Runs, 41 Runs Batted In, 6 SB, .273/.425/.502, 3.4 bWAR.

Soto is still the National League leader in Walks (71) and is second in OBP (.425). He is also fourth in OPS (.927).

4. Luis Arraez: Miami Marlins, Second Base: (#8, Last Week)

85 Cup Points, 73 Games, 1.16 Cup Points per Game, 3 Home Runs, 33 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .388/.451/.493, 3.5 bWAR.

Arraez is flirting with a .400 Batting Average and he is currently the National League leader in Hits (111), Batting Average (.399) and On Base Percentage (.451). He also has a very impressive Slugging Percentage (.493) for a player with only three Home Runs.

5. Jorge Soler: Miami Marlins, Outfield & Designated Hitter: (#3, Last Week)

84 Cup Points, 75 Games, 1.12 Cup Points per Game, 21 Home Runs, 45 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .247/.345/.524, 1.2 bWAR.

Soler is playing more and more at DH this year, but he is providing the Marlins incredible offense. He is third in NL Home Runs (21), and ninth in Slugging (.524).

6. Rafael Devers: Boston Red Sox, Third Base: (Ranked #6 Last Week)

83 Cup Points, 75 Games, 1.07 Cup Points per Game, 18 Home Runs, 60 Runs Batted In, 0 SB, .241/.312/.486, 1.3 bWAR.

Devers holds strong on at #6 and is currently second in the AL in RBIs (60) and fourth in Home Runs (18).

7. Corbin Carroll: Arizona Diamondbacks, Outfield: (Ranked #4, Last Week)

81 Cup Points, 62 Games, 1.16 Cup Points per Game, 16 Home Runs, 41 Runs Batted In, 23 SB, .290/.369/.558, 3.7 bWAR.

Carroll is running away with the National League Rookie of the Year Award, and it is only June! At present, the young Outfielder is third in the National League in bWAR (3.7), and is in the top ten in Batting Average (.290), OBP (.369), Slugging (.558), Runs (59), Home Runs (18) and Stolen Bases (23).

8. Matt Olson: Atlanta Braves, First Base: (Ranked #10 Last Week)

78 Cup Points, 75 Games, 0.96 Cup Points per Game, 25 Home Runs, 58 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .238/.350/.541, 1.8 bWAR.

Olson took over the National League lead in both Home Runs (25), RBIs (60) and is sixth in Slugging (.541)

9. Marcus Semien: Texas Rangers, Shortstop: (Ranked #9, Last Week)

75 Cup Points, 77 Games, 0.97 Cup Points per Game, 10 Home Runs, 54 Runs Batted In, 7 SB, .278/.339/.459, 3.3 bWAR.

Semien is having an outstanding 2023, though he has substantially cooled off in the last three weeks. He is the current AL leader in Runs Scored (62) and is fourth in bWAR for Position Players (3.3).

10 (TIE). Alex Bregman: Houston Astros, Third Base: (Not in the Top Ten Last Week)

74 Cup Points, 77 Games, 0.96 Cup Points per Game, 11 Home Runs, 49 Runs Batted In, 3 SB, .248/.342/.408, 1.9 bWAR.

Bregman gives Houston a top-ten entrant, and is currently tenth (49) in American League RBIs.

10 (TIE). Mookie Betts: Los Angeles Dodgers, Outfield: (Not in the Top Ten Last Week)

74 Cup Points, 77 Games, 0.96 Cup Points per Game, 19 Home Runs, 47 Runs Batted In, 6 SB, .258/.354/.512, 2.6 bWAR.

Betts returns to the top ten, and is ninth in RBIs (47).

New York’s (AL) Aaron Judge fell out of the top ten.

Our next update will be the afternoon of July 3.

It is with great pleasure that we continue the third annual Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Season Cup, and let us explain how this works:

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.

We knew the following:

-       The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.

-       In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, and overall favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing less innings than in previous generations. This also is true for closers, which is not made for this process.

-       Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

At present 847 (up from 827 last week) Players have generated at least one Cup Point.

So, MLB players! Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

This is the seventh update, with standings as of the morning of June 19.

1. Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Angels, Designated Hitter & Pitcher: (Ranked #1 last week)

115 Cup Points, 72 Games, 1.60 Cup Points per Game, 24 Home Runs, 58 Runs Batted In, 10 SB, .300/.384/.632, 4.9 bWAR & 6-2, 3.29 ERA, 105 SO, 1.049 WHIP.

The Notinhalloffame Cup is built for Ohtani, who can compile points in two different avenues; the only one who can do so. Ohtani has been brilliant this week, and the chasm between the top spot and second spot has never been higher. He is off to a good pitching start, leading the AL in H/9 (5.596) and is second in Strikeouts (105). With his bat, Ohtani has taken over the American League lead in Home Runs (24), Runs Batted In (58) and Total Bases (175). The AL MVP is his to lose.

2. Ronald Acuna: Atlanta Braves, Outfield: (Ranked #2 Last Week)

95 Cup Points, 72 Games, 1.32 Cup Points per Game, 15 Home Runs, 45 Runs Batted In, 30 SB, .325/.403/.561, 3.6 bWAR.

Acuna leads all National League batters in Stolen Bases (30) and is second in Runs Scored (63), and is second in bWAR (3.6). He is in the top sixth in all three Slash Line components, and is second in OPS (.964).

3. Jorge Soler: Miami Marlins, Outfield & Designated Hitter: (#4, Last Week)

81 Cup Points, 68 Games, 1.19 Cup Points per Game, 20 Home Runs, 42 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .260/.366/.553, 1.6 bWAR.

Soler is playing more and more at DH this year, but he is providing the Marlins incredible offense. He is second in NL Home Runs 209), and sixth in Slugging (.553), and seventh in OPS (.919).

4. Corbin Carroll: Arizona Diamondbacks, Outfield: (Ranked #4, Last Week)

79 Cup Points, 62 Games, 1.16 Cup Points per Game, 15 Home Runs, 38 Runs Batted In, 19 SB, .305/.386/.589, 3.6 bWAR.

Carroll is running away with the National League Rookie of the Year Award, and it is only June! At present, the young Outfielder is leading the National League in bWAR (3.6), Offensive bWAR (3.6), Slugging (.589), OPS (.975) and OPS+ (164). Carroll is also in the top ten in Batting Average (.305), Stolen Bases (19) and Hits (75).

5. Juan Soto: San Diego Padres, Outfield: (Ranked #3, Last Week)

77 Cup Points, 65 Games, 1.12 Cup Points per Game, 11 Home Runs, 34 Runs Batted In, 5 SB, .252/.408/.459, 2.6 bWAR.

Soto is still the National League leader in Walks (64) and is fourth in OBP (.408). He is also eighth in OPS (.853).

6. Rafael Devers: Boston Red Sox, Third Base: (Ranked #6 Last Week)

76 Cup Points, 57 Games, 1.07 Cup Points per Game, 17 Home Runs, 57 Runs Batted In, 0 SB, .245/.307/.498, 1.2 bWAR.

Devers holds strong on at #6 and is currently third in the AL in RBIs (57) and third in Home Runs (17).

7. Marcus Semien: Texas Rangers, Shortstop: (Ranked #8, Last Week)

73 Cup Points, 71 Games, 1.02 Cup Points per Game, 10 Home Runs, 54 Runs Batted In, 7 SB, .279/.342/.466, 3.1 bWAR.

Semien is having an outstanding 2023, though he has substantially cooled off in the last two weeks. He is the current AL leader in Runs Scored (59) and is third in bWAR for Position Players (3.1).

8. Luis Arraez: Miami Marlins, Second Base: (#9, Last Week)

72 Cup Points, 67 Games, 1.07 Cup Points per Game, 2 Home Runs, 33 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .388/.440/.480, 2.7 bWAR.

Arraez is flirting with a .400 Batting Average and he is currently the National League leader in Hits (97), Batting Average (.388) and On Base Percentage (.440). He also has a very impressive Slugging Percentage (.480) for a player with only two Home Runs.

9. Aaron Judge: New York Yankees, Outfield: (Ranked #7, Last Week)

70 Cup Points, 49 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 19 Home Runs, 40 Runs Batted In, 3 SB, .291/.404/.674, 1.9 bWAR.

A toe injury kept Judge out of the lineup the last two week, thus he tumbled four spots on the NIHOF Cup leaderboard. Last year’s NIHOF Cup winner and Home Run leader is still leading the AL in Slugging (.674), OPS (.674), OPS+ (192) and is second in Home Runs (19).

10. Matt Olson: Atlanta Braves, First Base: (Ranked #6 Last Week)

68 Cup Points, 73 Games, 0.93 Cup Points per Game, 20 Home Runs, 51 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .233/.348/.502, 1.3 bWAR.

Olson makes it to the top ten giving Atlanta two members in the top ten. He is second in both Home Runs (20), RBIs (51) and is forth in Walks (47)

Houston’s Yordan Alvarez fell out of the top ten.

Our next update will be the afternoon of June 26.

It is with great pleasure that we continue the third annual Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Season Cup, and let us explain how this works:

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.

We knew the following:

-       The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.

-       In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, and overall favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing less innings than in previous generations. This also is true for closers, which is not made for this process.

-       Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

At present 796 (up from 761 last week) Players have generated at least one Cup Point.

So, MLB players! Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

This is the fifth update, with standings as of the morning of June 6.

1. Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Angels, Designated Hitter & Pitcher: (Ranked #1 last week)

85 Cup Points, 59 Games, 1.44 Cup Points per Game, 15 Home Runs, 41 Runs Batted In, 7 SB, .274/.346/.539, 3.0 bWAR & 5-2, 3.30 ERA, 96 SO, 1.014 WHIP.

The Notinhalloffame Cup is built for Ohtani, who can compile points in two different avenues; the only one who can do so.  This was his arguably his weakest week of the season, and right now his Angels have a winning record. Ohtani is off to his best pitching start, leading the AL in H/9 (8.9) and SO/9 (12.169), and he is his usual self with the bat, where he is third in Home Runs (15).

2. Ronald Acuna: Atlanta Braves, Outfield: (Ranked #5 Last Week)

74 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.20 Cup Points per Game, 12 Home Runs, 32 Runs Batted In, 26 SB, .331/.407/.564, 3.3 bWAR.

Acuna leads all National League batters in bWAR (3.3), Runs Scored (52), and Stolen Bases (37) and OPS (.970), and is in the top four in all three Slash Line components. He is arguably the current NL MVP front runner.

3. Aaron Judge: New York Yankees, Outfield: (Ranked #6, Last Week)

70 Cup Points, 49 Games, 1.43 Cup Points per Game, 19 Home Runs, 40 Runs Batted In, 3 SB, .291/.404/.674, 1.9 bWAR.

Last year’s NIHOF Cup winner and Home Run leader is leading the AL in Slugging (.674), OPS (.674), OPS+ (192) and Home Runs (19).

4 (TIE). Juan Soto: San Diego Padres, Outfield: (Ranked #2, Last Week)

68 Cup Points, 60 Games, 1.21 Cup Points per Game, 10 Home Runs, 27 Runs Batted In, 8 SB, .248/.413/.470, 2.3 bWAR.

Soto dropped two spots but is still the National League leader in Walks (56) and is second in OBP (.413). He is also fifth in OPS+ (150).

4 (TIE). Marcus Semien: Texas Rangers, Shortstop: (Ranked #6, Last Week)

68 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.13 Cup Points per Game, 9 Home Runs, 48 Runs Batted In, 7 SB, .306/.375/.506, 3.4 bWAR.

Semien is having an outstanding 2023, and is the current AL leader in Runs Scored (55) and is second in bWAR for Position Players (3.4).

6 (TIE). Yordan Alvarez: Houston Astros, Outfield & Designated Hitter: (Ranked #9 Last Week)

64 Cup Points, 57 Games, 1.07 Cup Points per Game, 16 Home Runs, 53 Runs Batted In, 0 SB, .278/.391/.582, 1.9 bWAR.

Alvarez is one the game’s best hitters and the current American League leader in RBIs (53). He is also in the top ten in OBP, Slugging, OPS, Home Runs, Walks and OPS+.

6 (TIE). Jorge Soler: Miami Marlins, Outfield & Designated Hitter: (#3, Last Week)

64 Cup Points, 58 Games, 1.10 Cup Points per Game, 17 Home Runs, 36 Runs Batted In, 0 SB, .245/.326/.532, 0.8 bWAR.

Soler did not have a good week, and his poor defensive skills have led him to play more at the DH spot. Nevertheless, Soler is third in NL Home Runs (17), eighth in Slugging (.532), and fifth in Extra Base Hits (28).

8 (TIE). Pete Alonso: New York Mets, First Base: (Ranked #3, Last Week)

63 Cup Points, 60 Games, 1.05 Cup Points per Game, 20 Home Runs, 47 Runs Batted In, 2 SB, .231/.324/.538, 1.9 bWAR.

Alonso did not accrue a Cup Point this past week, but is still the current league leader in Homer Runs (21) and RBIs (47). The First Basemen is also seventh in Slugging (.538).

9 (TIE). Rafael Devers: Boston Red Sox, Third Base: (Ranked #8 Last Week)

61 Cup Points, 57 Games, 1.07 Cup Points per Game, 13 Home Runs, 49 Runs Batted In, 0 SB, .246/.298/.487, 0.9 bWAR.

Devers dropped another spot but is still third in RBIs (49) and fifth in Home Runs (13).

9 (TIE). Mookie Betts: Los Angeles Dodgers, Outfield: (Not Ranked, Last Week)

61 Cup Points, 54 Games, 1.06 Cup Points per Game, 15 Home Runs, 36 Runs Batted In, 3 SB, .257/.362/.532, 2.6 bWAR.

Betts returns to the top ten and is currently 5^th among batters in the NL in bWAR (2.6).

9 (TIE). Luis Arraez: Miami Marlins, Second Base: (Not Ranked, Last Week)

61 Cup Points, 54 Games, 1.06 Cup Points per Game, 1 Home Run, 29 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .399/.450/.495, 2.8 bWAR.

Arraez makes his first top ten appearance, and he is currently the National League leader in Hits (83), Batting Average (.450) and On Base Percentage (.450). He also has a very impressive lugging Percentage (.495) for a player with only one Home Run.

Toronto’s Bo Bichette fell out of the top ten.

Our next update will be the morning of June 12.

It is with great pleasure that we continue the third annual Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Season Cup, and let us explain how this works:

With every single regular season game, we anointed the best five players in the game with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.

We knew the following:

-       The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points easier that elite players on loaded squads.

-       In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, and overall favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing less innings than in previous generations. This also is true for closers, which is not made for this process.

-       Please remember, that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year, and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way did, as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

At present 761 (up from 740 last week) Players have generated at least one Cup Point.

So, MLB players! Get your agents to work winning this into your contracts!

This is the fourth update, with standings as of the morning of May 29.

1. Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Angels, Designated Hitter & Pitcher: (Ranked #1 last week)

75 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.44 Cup Points per Game, 11 Home Runs, 32 Runs Batted In, 7 SB, .269/.342/.507, 2.8 bWAR & 5-1, 2.91 ERA, 90 SO, 0.954 WHIP.

The Notinhalloffame Cup is built for Ohtani, who can compile points in two different avenues; the only one who can do so.  This was his arguably his weakest week of the season, and right now his Angels have a winning record. Ohtani is off to his best pitching start, leading the AL in Strikeouts (90), SO/9 (12.5) and H/9 (8.9), and he is his usual self with the bat, where he is sixth in Home Runs (12).

2. Juan Soto: San Diego Padres, Outfield: (#9, Last Week)

64 Cup Points, 53 Games, 1.21 Cup Points per Game, 10 Home Runs, 24 Runs Batted In, 5 SB, .261/.422/.506, 2.0 bWAR.

Rocketing up seven spots, Soto is the National League leader in Walks (41) and is second in OBP (..422) and fifth in OPS (.927).

3 (TIE). Jorge Soler: Miami Marlins, Outfield: (Nor Ranked, Last Week)

63 Cup Points, 53 Games, 1.19 Cup Points per Game, 17 Home Runs, 35 Runs Batted In, 5 SB, .254/.329/.583, 1.0 bWAR.

Soler powers his way into the top ten, with a surprising spot at a third-place tie. He is second in the NL in Home Runs (17) and seventh in Slugging (.563).

3 (TIE). Pete Alonso: New York Mets, First Base: (Ranked #6, Last Week)

63 Cup Points, 54 Games, 1.17 Cup Points per Game, 20 Home Runs, 46 Runs Batted In, 1 SB, .243/.341/.569, 1.9 bWAR.

Alonso is on fire with his power metrics lately, and is the current National League leader in Home Runs (20) and RBIs (46).

5. Ronald Acuna: Atlanta Braves, Outfield: (Ranked #2 Last Week)

62 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.20 Cup Points per Game, 11 Home Runs, 30 Runs Batted In, 37 SB, .333/.415/.571, 3.1 bWAR.

Acuna leads all National League batters in bWAR (3.1), Runs Scored (48), and Stolen Bases (37) and OPS (.989), and is in the top four in all three Slash Line components. He is arguably the current NL MVP front runner.

6 (TIE). Marcus Semien: Texas Rangers, Shortstop: (Ranked #4, Last Week)

59 Cup Points, 52 Games, 1.13 Cup Points per Game, 8 Home Runs, 43 Runs Batted In, 7 SB, .298/.368/.486, 3.0 bWAR.

Semien is having an outstanding 2023, and is the current AL leader in Runs Scored (43) and is third in bWAR for Position Players (3.0).

6 (TIE). Aaron Judge: New York Yankees, Outfield: (Ranked #9, Last Week)

59 Cup Points, 44 Games, 1.34 Cup Points per Game, 15 Home Runs, 35 Runs Batted In, 3 SB, .291/.398/.633, 1.9 bWAR.

Last year’s NIHOF Cup winner and Home Run leader makes his first top ten appearance. Judge is leading the AL in Slugging (.644) and Home Runs (15).

8. Rafael Devers: Boston Red Sox, Third Base: (Ranked #2 Last Week)

58 Cup Points, 50 Games, 1.16 Cup Points per Game, 13 Home Runs, 44 Runs Batted In, 0 SB, .242/.283/.500, 0.9 bWAR.

Devers dropped six spots and did not accrue a Cup Point this past week. He is still third in RBIs (44) and fourth in Home Runs (13).

9 (TIE). Yordan Alvarez: Houston Astros, Designated Hitter & Outfield: (Ranked #5, Last Week)

57 Cup Points, 41 Games, 1.29 Cup Points per Game, 14 Home Runs, 48 Runs Batted In, 0 SB, .291/.402/.612, 1.9 bWAR.

Alvarez is entrenched as one of the game’s premier hitters, and is at present second in Slugging (.612) and third in both OBP (.402) and OPS (1.014). Alvarez is also second in Home Runs (14), and RBIs (48).

9 (TIE). Bo Bichette: Toronto Blue Jays, SHortstop: (Not Ranked, Last Week)

57 Cup Points, 54 Games, 1.06 Cup Points per Game, 11 Home Runs, 37 Runs Batted In, 2 SB, .338/.375/.537, 3.1 bWAR.

Bichette is back in the top ten, and has been playing excellent baseball as of late. He currently leads the AL in Hits (78) and Batting (.338).

Chicago’s (AL) and Los Angeles’ (NL) Mookie Betts fell out of the top ten.

Our next update will be the morning of June 4.