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Baseball has had many great teams that are remembered for their strong players. These groups of three players have been really good at the game, showing off amazing talent and winning lots of honors. As we look back through baseball’s past, let’s check out four of the best three-player teams and see how the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ trio of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman compare. The Dodgers’ three haven’t played together in a game yet, but they have some amazing records and awards going into the 2024 season. So, they might just be the best group of three players the game has ever seen. Let’s see if that’s true.
1963 Giants: Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda
One of the most iconic trios in MLB history is undoubtedly the 1963 Giants, comprising the legendary Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Orlando Cepeda. This trio stood out not only for their collective skills but also for their immense impact on the game and their enduring legacies. The 1963 Giants showcased three players with a 160 OPS+ or better, a feat achieved by only four teams in AL/NL history.
Willie McCovey, in his breakout season, displayed his power-hitting abilities with 44 home runs and a 161 OPS+. Mays, a true titan of the game, exhibited his brilliance with 38 home runs, a 10.6 bWAR, and a remarkable 175 OPS+. Cepeda contributed significantly to the lineup with 34 home runs, a .316 average, and a 165 OPS+. All three players went on to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and were MVP winners in their respective careers.
Despite the firepower of the Giants’ lineup, they finished third in the NL that year, with 88 wins. While they ranked second in runs scored, their pitching staff struggled, ranking eighth in ERA among the ten teams. Now, let’s compare the Ohtani/Betts/Freeman trio to the 1963 Giants. The numbers speak for themselves: Ohtani boasts an impressive 2023 OPS+ of 184, Betts with 163, and Freeman with 161. The Dodgers’ trio demonstrates their remarkable potential to rival the elite status of the 1963 Giants.
1927 Yankees: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Earle Combs, Tony Lazzeri
No discussion of baseball’s greatest lineup triumvirates would be complete without mentioning the 1927 Yankees, aptly nicknamed “Murders Row.” This legendary team, led by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, left a permanent mark on the sport. While Gehrig joined Ruth later in his career, their combined skills, along with the contributions of Earle Combs and Tony Lazzeri, solidified their place in baseball history.
The 1927 season was a defining moment for Ruth and Gehrig. Ruth’s incredible performance included 60 home runs, a staggering 225 OPS+, and a 12.6 bWAR. Gehrig, known for his remarkable consistency, recorded 173 RBIs, a 220 OPS+, and an 11.8 bWAR. Combs, the leadoff hitter, played a crucial role with a .356 batting average, a .414 on-base percentage, and a 7.1 bWAR. Lazzeri, batting sixth in the lineup, contributed 18 home runs, 102 RBIs, and a 6.4 bWAR.
The 1927 Yankees were an unstoppable force, winning 110 games and sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series. Their dominance was evident in their offensive statistics, surpassing all other AL teams in home runs and runs scored. Comparing the Ohtani/Betts/Freeman trio to the 1927 Yankees, the focus shifts away from pitching. In terms of bWAR, Ohtani leads the way with an impressive 10.0 (6.0 as a DH, 4.0 as a pitcher), followed by Betts with 8.3 and Freeman with 6.5. While the comparison may not be directly related to pitching, it highlights the Dodgers’ trio’s potential to make a significant impact.
1978 Reds: Johnny Bench, George Foster, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose
Another remarkable lineup trio that deserves recognition is the 1978 Reds, consisting of Johnny Bench, George Foster, Joe Morgan, and Pete Rose. This lineup stood out due to its impressive collection of former MVPs, a category that garnered significant attention when the news of Ohtani joining Betts and Freeman at the top of the Dodgers’ lineup broke. The presence of MVP winners in a lineup holds a certain attraction, as it reflects individual brilliance and accomplishment.
However, the history of MVP voting reveals its imperfections, as it often depends on various factors such as the performance of other players in a given season. Mike Trout, Ohtani’s former teammate, serves as a prime example, with multiple seasons of exceptional performance and only one MVP win. Similarly, the 1978 Reds lineup showcased former MVPs who were no longer at their peak. Pete Rose, at 37 years old, Joe Morgan dealing with injuries, and Johnny Bench still performing at a high level but battling his own physical challenges. George Foster, the NL MVP winner from the previous season, was the only one in his prime.
It’s worth mentioning another lineup with four former MVPs, the 1982 Angels, featuring Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, Don Baylor, and Fred Lynn. However, the team’s success that year was propelled by Doug DeCinces and Brian Downing, who led the team in bWAR, while the MVP winners fell short. The 1978 Reds failed to make the playoffs despite their star-studded lineup. In comparison, the Ohtani/Betts/Freeman trio boasts two MVP awards for Ohtani (Angels, 2021 & 2023), one for Betts (Red Sox, 2018), and one for Freeman (Braves, 2020). Moreover, all three players finished in the top three of the MVP voting in 2023, emphasizing their continued elite status.
2022-23 Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley
As we explore the greatest lineup triumvirates in baseball history, let’s turn our attention to the 2022-23 Braves, featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley. While this trio may not have the historical significance of the previous examples, they showcase the potential for a remarkable lineup triumvirate.
In 2022, Acuña and Riley fell just short of the 78 extra-base hits mark, while Olson achieved this feat with 78 extra-base hits. The Braves’ offensive records and impressive win totals over the past two seasons have cemented their place among the most potent lineups in recent years. However, they fell short of capturing the ultimate prize, the World Series title.
Comparing the Ohtani/Betts/Freeman trio to the 2022-23 Braves, it is evident that they compare favorably. The Dodgers’ trio possesses the potential to make history, not only with their individual achievements but also with their collective impact in the upcoming season and beyond.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the greatest lineup triumvirates in baseball history, it’s clear that the Dodgers’ trio of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman ranks among the elite. While their collective accomplishments are yet to be realized on the field, their individual numbers and accolades reveal their immense potential. The 1963 Giants, 1927 Yankees, 1978 Reds, and 2022-23 Braves serve as benchmarks for greatness, showcasing the impact that a formidable lineup can have on the game.
As the 2024 season unfolds, baseball fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the exploits of the Ohtani/Betts/Freeman triumvirate. Will they etch their names in the annals of baseball history as the greatest lineup triumvirate ever? Only time will tell, but the potential for greatness is undoubtedly present. As fans, we can only marvel at the rich tapestry of baseball history and eagerly await the next chapter in the legacy of legendary lineups.
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