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4 Dark Horse Players Who Could Lead the AL in Home Runs

By Scott Rogust

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could lead the American League in home runs in 2020.
Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could lead the American League in home runs in 2020. / Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

At some point this calendar year, the 2020 MLB season will commence. Predictions have been flying in regards to which teams will earn their respective division crowns and who will ultimately hoist the Commissioner's Trophy in 2020. But how about who will lead in AL home runs?

Many expect the likes of Mike Trout, Nelson Cruz and Aaron Judge to lead the race, but there are many potential dark horses who could end up surprising the rest of the league's sluggers. After watching Jorge Soler break out for 48 bombs in 2019, there could be another surprise source of power ready to emerge this year. These four AL players have the best chance to stun the league and take the home run title for their own.

4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vlad Guerrero Jr. will take the league by storm in 2020.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. will take the league by storm in 2020. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, has taken the baseball world by storm when it comes to his insane power and bat speed as such a young age. Vladdy got his first taste of the big leagues last season, but didn't really live up to the excitement levels. In 2020, Guerrero has the chance to be the league's most dangerous slugger as he looks to fulfill the hype that surrounded him upon getting promoted to the show.

3. Matt Chapman

Matt Chapman is the epitome of a dark horse.
Matt Chapman is the epitome of a dark horse. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Oakland Athletics don't boast superstar names, but they've become one of the more consistently good teams in the league. That's thanks to the play of studs like Matt Chapman. The elite third baseman isn't one of the most recognized players in baseball, but just tune into an A's game for even a few minutes and you'll see the special talent he is. Just last season, Chapman hit 36 home runs and 91 RBI while boasting a .506 slugging percentage. He's gotten better with each passing year, and there's reason to believe he could have an even deadlier campaign in n2020.

2. Max Kepler

Max Kepler will play an important role in the 'Bomba Squad.'
Max Kepler will play an important role in the 'Bomba Squad.' / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

The Minnesota Twins took the home run crown from the New York Yankees last season, thanks to their self-titled "Bomba Squad." Yes, the team has Miguel Sano and Nelson Cruz, but the real standout from last season is outfielder Max Kepler. In 2019, Kepler put up insane numbers, clobbering 36 homers and 90 RBI while mashing to a .519 slugging percentage. After a big breakout last year, Kepler is looking to show it was no fluke.

1. Austin Meadows

Austin Meadows broke out in 2019, and has the chance to improve in 2020.
Austin Meadows broke out in 2019, and has the chance to improve in 2020. / Mark Blinch/Getty Images

Austin Meadows was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018, where he played in a limited amount of games. But in 2019, Meadows' really broke out as one of the league's brightest stars. Through 138 games last season, Meadows hit 33 home runs and 89 RBI on a ridiculous .558 slugging percentage. The Rays pose as the Yankees' biggest threat in the AL East, and if Meadows finds a way to improve his game (if that's even possible), he can take the AL batting title for homers.