As the 2023 Major League Baseball season approaches, fans are gearing up for another exciting year of baseball. Every season brings new surprises and disappointments for individual players, and that unpredictability is what makes the game fun to observe. With that in mind, here are eight MLB players to watch in the 2023 season.
Anthony Rendon’s Return to Form
Anthony Rendon has a reputation as one of the game’s most injury-prone players. However, despite battling injuries throughout his career, Rendon has shown that he has the potential to be one of the best third basemen in the league when healthy. After struggling in the 2022 season, Rendon has a chance to return to his near-MVP form in 2023.
Shintaro Fujinami’s Impact on the Oakland A’s
Shintaro Fujinami’s journey to the big leagues has been a long one, but he may prove to be worth the wait for the Oakland A’s. Despite inconsistent performances in Japan, Fujinami has a powerful arm and immense potential. If he can tap into that potential in the MLB and pitch effectively out of Oakland’s bullpen or rotation, he could be a key contributor for years to come.
Corey Seager’s Importance for the Texas Rangers
Corey Seager is one of the most talented shortstops in baseball, and his signing with the Texas Rangers this offseason was one of the biggest free-agent moves of the year. Seager’s bat will be crucial for a Rangers lineup looking to compete with the best teams in baseball. Additionally, his defensive abilities will be just as important if he hopes to take advantage of a postshift world.
Jose Berrios’ Need to Return to Form
Jose Berrios had an inconsistent performance in the 2022 season after being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. While he has shown flashes of potential in the past, Berrios needs to return to form if he hopes to be a key contributor for the Blue Jays in 2023. If Berrios can pitch effectively and live up to his potential, the Blue Jays have a chance to make a deep playoff run.
Nico Hoerner’s Potential as a Foundational Player
Nico Hoerner showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season with the Cubs in 2021, both at the plate and in the field. With experience under his belt, Hoerner has the potential to be a foundational player for a Cubs team looking to rebuild. His value as a defender alone makes him worth watching, but if he can develop into a consistent hitter, he could be a star in the making.
Dustin May’s Role in Stabilizing the Dodgers’ Rotation
Dustin May was one of the most promising young pitchers in baseball before undergoing Tommy John surgery last year. However, if he can manage his workload and keep himself healthy, May has the potential to stabilize the Dodgers’ rotation. He possesses one of the best sinkers in baseball and could be an important part of a deep playoff run for Los Angeles.
Blake Snell’s Monster Platform Year
Blake Snell has been one of baseball’s best pitchers over the past few years, but struggled with injuries during the 2022 season. However, if he can stay healthy in 2023 and pitch like he did during his Cy Young season with Tampa Bay back in 2018, Snell could have a monster year on a World Series contender.
Joey Meneses’ Impact on the Nationals
Joey Meneses burst onto the scene with a latesummer run in 2022 that left Washington Nationals fans clamoring for more. However, questions remain about whether Meneses is for real or just a product of small sample size. If he can continue to hit consistently in 2023, Meneses could become a building block for the Nationals or a valuable trade asset.
The 2023 MLB season is sure to be filled with excitement and unpredictable moments, but keeping an eye on these eight players could make it even more entertaining for fans.
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