Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Another month in the books, these three hitters were on fire in May

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 6/1/23

The month of May saw the bats heat up in a major way. Aaron Judge is continuing to be the best hitter on the planet with an absurd .342/.474/.882 slash line to go with 12 home runs and 25 RBI.

It would be too easy to include him on this list so here are three hitters who wish May wasn't over and will look to carry their success into June.

Freddie Freeman, first base, Los Angeles Dodgers

The 2020 NL MVP, Freeman has been a threat with the bat since his debut in 2010. With a career batting average of .300, he is having one of his best seasons at the plate.

Freeman ends May with a .400 batting average with six home runs, 26 RBI and an eye-popping 17 doubles.

With a .346/.420/.588 slash line, 10 home runs and 35 RBI Freeman has played his way into National League MVP contention in 2023.

Freddie Freeman is batting .455 (35-for-77) with 18 extra-base hits and 21 RBI during his 19-game hit streak. pic.twitter.com/df5nYMM1nf
— MLB (@MLB) May 31, 2023

Lourdes Gurriel, outfielder, Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are 10 games over .500 for the first time since 2018 and Gurriel is spearheading their success.

Acquired in an offseason trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, Gurriel is on pace for a career year in Arizona. Hitting .352 with eight home runs and 18 RBI he has exceeded expectations already in his short time for the Diamondbacks.

An unrestricted free agent after this season, Gurriel is looking to parlay his success into a new contract.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr in May:

93 PA
8 HRs
.373/.441/.771 (lol)
220 wRC+
15.1 K%
9.7 BB%
11.6 Barrel%
47.8 HardHit%
39.1 Sweet Spot%

pic.twitter.com/1jOAUNFCAU
— JD (@StromsLab) May 31, 2023

Anthony Santander, outfielder, Baltimore Orioles

After a dreadful April, Orioles slugger Anthony Santander tore the cover off the ball in May.

Hitting .337 with 15 extra-base hits and 22 RBI, the switch-hitting Santander has been key in the Orioles' success. Helping them keep pace with the Tampa Bay Rays, who have the best record in baseball.

At 35-21, the Orioles will need Santander to continue his hot month as they battle it out in the American League East.

Anthony Santander mashed three extra-base hits in tonight's victory.

Hear from the outfielder after the win. pic.twitter.com/389lw7T2tW
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) May 31, 2023

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