Are you ready for the start of the 2023 MLB season? Opening Day is just a few days away and we’ve got the inside scoop on which players are projected to stand out this year. We polled 87 MLB.com experts to get their picks on who will lead the American League and National League in key categories including homers, batting average, stolen bases, ERA, strikeouts, and saves, and the results are in!
In the American League, Yordan Alvarez from the Astros leads the pack for batting average, while Aaron Judge from the Yankees is projected to defend his title as home run champ. Bobby Witt Jr. from the Royals is expected to bring his speed to the basepaths and clinch the stolen base title. As for pitching, Shohei Ohtani from the Angels is predicted to come out on top for ERA, while Gerrit Cole from the Yankees is favored to lead in strikeouts.
Over in the National League, Freddie Freeman from the Dodgers is projected to win his first batting title, while Pete Alonso from the Mets aims to take home the home run crown again. Trea Turner from the Phillies and Ronald Acuña Jr. from the Braves are tied for stolen base leader, and Sandy Alcantara from the Marlins is favored to have the lowest ERA. Finally, Emmanuel Clase from the Guardians is expected to remain one of the nastiest pitchers in the league and lead in saves, with Josh Hader from the Padres as a close second.
With so many talented players vying for the top spot in each category, it’s sure to be an exciting season ahead! Who are you rooting for to come out on top?
Source: www.mlb.com