The Ups and Downs of the 2023 MLB Season
As the curtain falls on the 2023 Major League Baseball season, the stories that emerge are as varied and complex as the game itself. This season was a showcase of resilience, personal achievements, and the inevitable challenges that athletes face in their quest for excellence.
Alex Cobb: A Season of Mixed Emotions
For Alex Cobb, 2023 was a year of firsts and unexpected turns. At 37, the veteran pitcher achieved a career milestone by making the All-Star Game for the first time. Known for his cunning three-pitch arsenal—a combination of a sinker, a splitter, and a curve—Cobb has long been a staple in the league. Yet, the joy of his All-Star selection was tempered by the harsh realities of an athlete's life. His season was curtailed to just three starts due to injuries, a reminder of the physical toll professional sports can exact.
John Means: A Road to Recovery
John Means found himself on a similar path of adversity. Since the end of the 2021 season, Means has managed just ten combined starts, a number that underscores his ongoing battle with health issues. The summer of 2023 brought another setback with his second Tommy John surgery, a procedure no pitcher hopes to undergo even once. His journey is emblematic of the patience and perseverance required to sustain a career at the professional level.
Paul DeJong: Power and Perseverance
Paul DeJong's 2023 season painted a picture of power and transition. Amid a notably high strikeout rate exceeding 32%, DeJong managed to slug his way to 24 home runs. His journey saw him switch teams from the White Sox to the Royals, a move that illustrates the unpredictable dynamics of player trades. Despite these changes, DeJong struggled with consistency, ending the season with an OPS+ of 97, showing a performance just shy of the league average.
Danny Jansen: A Position of Limitation
Catcher Danny Jansen faced his own hurdles. He posted an OPS+ of 87, marking a slight dip in his offensive contributions. A significant challenge for Jansen has been staying on the field; he hasn't surpassed 350 plate appearances since 2019. This limitation underscores the physical demands placed on catchers, who often bear the brunt of the game both mentally and physically.
Alex Verdugo and Max Kepler: Market Dynamics
For Alex Verdugo, 2023 was less about triumph and more about taking stock. He experienced a career-worst performance, an outcome that can serve as a pivotal learning moment for the young player. In contrast, Max Kepler emerged as a notable presence on the market as a corner outfielder, attracting attention for the potential value he brings to teams looking to bolster their lineup. The narratives of both players highlight the ever-shifting landscape of player marketability and performance.
A Season Reflecting the Unpredictability of Sports
The 2023 MLB season, filled with its share of victories and setbacks, mirrors the wider unpredictability inherent in sports. It reminds fans and players alike that despite the rigorous preparation and training, the outcomes can never be preordained. As the players rest and recover, strategize and train for the next season, these stories of resilience and adaptation will continue to inspire those who follow the beautiful game of baseball.