NYC's Top 24 Athletes of 2024

2024 was a year of ups and downs for New York City sports. The Yankees returned to the World Series after 15 years, while the Mets had a thrilling playoff run. The Liberty secured the city's first basketball championship in 51 years, winning their first-ever WNBA title. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls narrowly missed a championship in the MLS Cup Final.

Despite struggles from the Giants, Jets, Nets, Rangers, and Islanders, many NYC athletes made memorable contributions. Here's amNewYork's ranking of the top 24:

Top Performers:

(1) Francisco Lindor (Mets): The superstar shortstop led the Mets to the playoffs with a game-winning home run to clinch a postseason berth and an NLDS-clinching grand slam. He finished second in NL MVP voting.

<figure><img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-10-09T234027Z_731416573_MT1USATODAY24447886_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NLDS-PHILADELPHIA-PHILLIES-AT-NEW-YORK-METS.jpg?w=700" alt="Francisco Lindor grand slam Game 4 Mets Phillies NLDS"></figure>

(2) Aaron Judge (Yankees): Won his second AL MVP with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, a Yankees single-season record since 2007. Despite postseason struggles, his regular season dominance secures him a top spot.

<figure><img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-10-19T021105Z_661844283_MT1USATODAY24525772_RTRMADP_3_MLB-ALCS-NEW-YORK-YANKEES-AT-CLEVELAND-GUARDIANS.jpg?w=700" alt="Aaron Judge Yankees"></figure>

(3) Jalen Brunson (Knicks): Led the Knicks to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a stellar season, averaging 28.7 points and 6.7 assists. Finished fifth in NBA MVP voting.

<figure><img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-10-10T004242Z_34413416_MT1USATODAY24448258_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PRESEASON-WASHINGTON-WIZARDS-AT-NEW-YORK-KNICKS.jpg?w=700" alt="Jalen Brunson Knicks"></figure>

(4) Juan Soto (Yankees/Mets): Had a brilliant season with the Yankees before signing a massive contract with the Mets. His game-winning home run in Game 5 of the ALCS sent the Yankees to the World Series.

<figure><img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-12-12T212423Z_346465447_MT1USATODAY24970939_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NEW-YORK-METS-PRESS-CONFERENCE.jpg?w=700" alt="Juan Soto Mets"></figure>

(5) Breanna Stewart (Liberty): Led the Liberty to their first WNBA title, earning Finals MVP. Also won gold at the Paris Olympics.

<figure><img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-10-17T050930Z_773178235_MT1USATODAY24509379_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-FINALS-NEW-YORK-LIBERTY-AT-MINNESOTA-LYNX.jpg?w=700" alt="Breanna Stewart Liberty WNBA Finals"></figure>

Other notable athletes: The list also includes standout performances from Giancarlo Stanton, Mark Vientos, Pete Alonso, OG Anunoby, Malik Nabers, Artemi Panarin, Garrett Wilson, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, David Peterson, Luis Gil, Brian Burns, Lewis Morgan, Luis Severino, and Brock Nelson. The article highlights their significant contributions and achievements in their respective sports.