As the 2023 MLB season nears its conclusion, the spotlight isn’t just on the teams—it’s on individual players. Each squad has at least one guy who really needs to step up. Let’s take a look at who needs to finish strong, and why.
Hey folks, can you feel it? The electric buzz in the air that only comes when the MLB season is hitting its final stretch? I sure can! Playoff spots are still up for grabs, and while we usually talk teams, let’s change it up and talk players. Each team’s got that one guy, the wild card if you will, who’s got more than just the game on his mind. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Boston Red Sox: Is Chris Sale Still Sale-ing?
Ah, Chris Sale, man. He was cruising through May, like a ship with sails fully open, boasting a 4-0 record and a 2.25 ERA. And then June happened. Shoulder stress reaction? Ouch. Since then, let’s just say the sail’s been a bit tattered. Sale’s struggling to bring the heat, and it’s clear the Red Sox are feeling the loss. They’ve invested heavily in Sale with a five-year, $145 million contract, and it’s safe to say they’d love to see some ROI. Sale’s looking to rebound in his last five starts to enter the offseason on a high. No pressure, Chris!
Chicago White Sox: Michael Kopech’s Rocky Road
Early in the season, Michael Kopech was more smooth sailing than stormy waters. But lately, it’s like he’s pitching during a hurricane. His ERA has ballooned to 7.49 in his last 10 starts, and that’s troubling to say the least. Now, if you’re a White Sox fan, you’ve got to be wondering if he’s the future you envisioned. With 2024 around the corner, and only Kopech and Dylan Cease marked for the rotation, he needs to remind everyone why he was considered a top-tier talent. A few strong outings to finish off the season? Yes, please!
Texas Rangers: Adolis García, From Hero to Zero?
You know what’s more erratic than Texas weather? Adolis García’s performance this season. After an All-Star first half, the man’s gone cold, colder than a Texas winter night. Look, the Rangers are still in the postseason hunt, and if they want to keep that dream alive, García’s got to snap out of it. Especially after that recent knee injury. I mean, you’re leading the AL in RBIs, dude time to act like it.
Washington Nationals: Carter Kieboom’s Second Act
Carter Kieboom is back, ladies and gentlemen! After a year off thanks to Tommy John surgery, he’s back at third base for the Nats. Now, here’s a guy with something to prove. His last MLB stint wasn’t exactly awe-inspiring, and the Nats are giving him another shot to prove he’s the third baseman of the future. Remember, this is a guy who was once a first-round pick. It’s about time he starts playing like one.
Milwaukee Brewers: Willy Adames, The Crucial Stretch
Willy Adames has been the Brewers’ go-to guy for two seasons. But 2023? It’s been a year he’d rather forget. First, the foul ball incident, and then his OPS taking a nosedive. But hold on Adames is showing signs of life with a .901 OPS since mid-August. The timing couldn’t be better. He’s in his final year of club control and another strong finish could set him up nicely for contract talks.
So there you have it, folks. We’re down to the wire, and these are the players who will be sweatin’ it out a bit more than the rest. Each pitch, each swing, each play is going to count double for these guys. Get ready for a thrilling finish to an already exciting MLB season. Make sure you’re tuned in it’s gonna be a wild ride!
