A Season of Personal Triumphs and Setbacks in MLB 2023
The 2023 Major League Baseball season was one marked by resilience and surprising challenges. Across the league, players faced career highs and lows, making for an unpredictable tableau reflective of the sport’s inherent drama.
Alex Cobb: All-Star Glory Amidst Trials
For Alex Cobb, the 2023 season was a bittersweet mix of personal achievement and physical setbacks. At 37 years old, Cobb was selected for the All-Star Game for the first time in his career, an impressive accolade that highlighted his enduring talent. Known for his mastery of a three-pitch arsenal—a sinker, a splitter, and a curve—Cobb’s potential seemed limitless. However, his season was truncated to just three starts due to injuries, clouding his All-Star recognition with a shadow of unfulfilled promise.
John Means: Grappling with Injuries
In a similar vein, John Means battled persistent challenges on the mound. Since the end of the 2021 season, Means has made only ten combined starts, a stark contrast to his earlier career trajectory. The summer of 2023 brought another turn as Means underwent his second Tommy John surgery, adding to his list of obstacles in striving for a return to peak performance. His limited appearances underscore the ongoing battle athletes face in maintaining both form and health.
Paul DeJong: Power and Precision
Paul DeJong’s 2023 season was one of significant transitions and notable performances. After switching teams from the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals, DeJong managed to hit 24 home runs, a testament to his power at the plate. However, this power came with a caveat—his strikeout rate exceeded 32%, indicating a need for improved precision. Despite these mixed results, DeJong’s OPS+ stood at a respectable 97, suggesting that his contributions were solidly above average.
Danny Jansen: Consistency Eludes
Danny Jansen’s recent season reflected steady, though unspectacular, performance. With an OPS+ of 87, Jansen’s output indicated he fell just short of league-average hitting performance. A notable aspect of Jansen’s career since 2019 is that he has not surpassed 350 plate appearances, highlighting challenges in maintaining a consistent spot in the lineup or evading injuries that may hinder his availability.
Alex Verdugo and Max Kepler: Shifting Fortunes
For Alex Verdugo, 2023 was marked by personal disappointment as he experienced a career-worst season. The young outfielder’s struggles serve as a reminder of baseball’s unpredictability, where potential and past performances do not always guarantee future success. Meanwhile, Max Kepler, known as a notable corner outfielder, emerged as a player drawing considerable interest in the market, offering teams a combination of reliability and proven skill.
The 2023 MLB season in its entirety aptly captured the sport’s essence—punctuated by personal triumphs, unexpected setbacks, and the ever-present possibility of change. As the dust settles on this tumultuous year, players and fans alike are reminded of the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of America’s pastime.