As the 2023 Major League Baseball season is set to begin, every team is gearing up and putting their best foot forward in hopes of making it to the World Series. Each team has their most crucial player who will play a significant role in their success throughout the year. This article takes a look at each MLB team’s most important player heading into the 2023 season.
American League:
East Division:
Baltimore Orioles – Adley Rutschman
Adley Rutschman is widely considered the best catcher prospect in baseball and the centerpiece of the Orioles’ rebuild. The switch-hitting catcher is projected to make his major league debut in 2022 and become a stalwart presence behind the plate for years to come.
Boston Red Sox – Xander Bogaerts
Xander Bogaerts has established himself as one of the top shortstops in the American League. The two-time Silver Slugger winner hit .295 with 23 home runs and 89 RBI in 2022 and will be crucial to the Red Sox’s success in 2023.
New York Yankees – Garrett Cole
Garrett Cole is the best pitcher in the Yankees’ rotation and has shown he can dominate opposing hitters. In 2022, Cole led the AL with 298 strikeouts and posted a 2.98 ERA. He will be a key factor in the Yankees’ push for a championship in 2023 and beyond.
Tampa Bay Rays – Wander Franco
Wander Franco is the top prospect in baseball and has dominated at every level in the minors. The switch-hitting shortstop is expected to make his big league debut in 2023 and could be the spark the Rays need to make another deep playoff run.
Toronto Blue Jays – Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a breakout year in 2022, finishing second in the AL MVP voting. The first baseman hit .325 with 48 home runs and 117 RBI and will be a driving force in the Blue Jays’ lineup in 2023.
Central Division:
Chicago White Sox – Eloy Jimenez
Eloy Jimenez has shown he has the potential to be a superstar in the majors. In 2022, the outfielder hit .272 with 29 home runs and 88 RBI despite missing time due to injury. If Jimenez can stay healthy in 2023, he could provide the White Sox with the power they need to win the AL Central.
Cleveland Indians – Shane Bieber
Shane Bieber is the reigning AL Cy Young winner and one of the best pitchers in the game. In 2022, he led the AL with a 2.33 ERA and 300 strikeouts. Bieber will be crucial to the Indians’ success in 2023, especially if they are going to compete for a playoff spot.
Detroit Tigers – Spencer Torkelson
Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, is projected to make his major league debut in 2023. The power-hitting first baseman has shown the ability to hit for average and power in the minors and could be a cornerstone player for the Tigers in the future.
Kansas City Royals – Bobby Witt Jr.
Bobby Witt Jr. is another top prospect who could make his big league debut in 2023. The shortstop has shown impressive power and speed in the minors, along with a strong arm that makes him a threat on defense.
Minnesota Twins – Byron Buxton
Byron Buxton is one of the most dynamic players in baseball when he’s healthy. He hit .359 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI in just 27 games in 2022 and will be a key piece of the Twins’ lineup if he can stay on the field in 2023.
West Division:
Houston Astros – Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa is one of the best shortstops in baseball and a cornerstone player for the Astros. In 2022, he hit .276 with 27 home runs and 84 RBI and showed off his defense with his third Gold Glove Award. Correa will be a key factor in the Astros’ quest for another World Series title in 2023.
Los Angeles Angels – Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani is the most unique player in baseball, as he is both a dominant pitcher and a dangerous hitter. In 2022, he hit .285 with 48 home runs and 109 RBI while also posting a 3.18 ERA and 269 strikeouts on the mound. Ohtani will be a vital player for the Angels in 2023 and will be a serious contender for AL MVP.
Oakland Athletics – Matt Chapman
Matt Chapman is one of the best third basemen in the game with elite defense and above-average hitting. In 2022, he hit .246 with 31 home runs and 87 RBI and his defense was worth 9.7 WAR. Chapman will be a crucial player for the A’s if they hope to make a run in the competitive AL West.
Seattle Mariners – Julio Rodriguez
Julio Rodriguez is another top prospect who could make a significant impact in 2023. The outfielder has excellent power potential and has shown the ability to hit for average as well. If he can refine his approach at the plate, Rodriguez could be a dangerous hitter for the Mariners in 2023 and beyond.
Texas Rangers – Adolis Garcia
Adolis Garcia had a breakout season in 2022, hitting .266 with 31 home runs and 93 RBI. The outfielder also showed off his speed with 15 stolen bases and strong defense, finishing with a WAR of 4.8. If Garcia can maintain that level of play in 2023, he could be a bright spot in a rebuilding Rangers team.
National League:
East Division:
Atlanta Braves – Ronald Acuna Jr.
Ronald Acuna Jr. is one of the best players in the game and the catalyst for the Braves’ offense. In 2022, he hit .304 with 43 home runs and 105 RBI and showed off his speed with 39 stolen bases. Acuna will be a crucial player for the Braves as they look to defend their NL East title.
Miami Marlins – J.J. Bleday
J.J. Bleday, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 draft, is expected to make his big league debut in 2023. The outfielder has shown excellent power potential in the minors and could be a key part of the Marlins’ rebuild.
New York Mets – Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor is one of the best shortstops in baseball and a key piece of the Mets’ lineup. In 2022, he hit .265 with 29 home runs and 94 RBI and showed off his defense with a Gold Glove Award. Lindor will be crucial to the Mets’ success in 2023 and beyond.
Philadelphia Phillies – Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper is one of the most talented players in the game and a leader on the Phillies’ roster. In 2022, he hit .288 with 41 home runs and 115 RBI and showed off his defense with a Gold Glove Award. Harper will be a driving force for the Phillies in 2023, especially if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
Washington Nationals – Juan Soto
Juan Soto is one of the best young hitters in the game and the centerpiece of the Nationals’ lineup. In 2022, he hit .298 with 37 home runs and 116 RBI and finished second in the NL MVP voting. Soto will be a vital player for the Nationals in 2023 and a potential MVP candidate.
Central Division:
Chicago Cubs – Brennan Davis
Brennan Davis is a top outfield prospect who could make his big league debut in 2023. The power-hitting outfielder has shown excellent plate discipline and could be a key part of the Cubs’ rebuild.
Cincinnati Reds – Joey Votto
Joey Votto is a veteran first baseman who remains one of the best hitters in the game. In 2022, he hit .285 with 43 home runs and 107 RBI and showed off his plate discipline with 127 walks. Votto will be a driving force for the Reds in 2023, especially if they hope to compete for a playoff spot.
Milwaukee Brewers – Christian Yelich
Christian Yelich is a former NL MVP and one of the best outfielders in the game. In 2022, he hit .287 with 32 home runs and 90 RBI and showed off his defense with a Gold Glove Award. Yelich will be a crucial player for the Brewers in 2023, especially if they hope to make another deep playoff run.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Ke’Bryan Hayes
Ke’Bryan Hayes is a talented young third baseman who made his big league debut in 2020. Injuries limited him in 2022, but he still hit .279 with 10 home runs and 36 RBI in just 82 games. Hayes will be a cornerstone player for the Pirates as they rebuild for the future.
St. Louis Cardinals – Nolan Arenado
Nolan Arenado is one of the best third basemen in baseball and a leader on the Cardinals’ roster. In 2022, he hit .259 with 35 home runs and 93 RBI and showed off his defense with a Gold Glove Award. Arenado will be crucial to the Cardinals’ success in 2023 and a potential MVP candidate.
West Division:
Arizona Diamondbacks – Spencer Howard
Spencer Howard, a promising young pitcher acquired in a trade with the Phillies, is expected to make an impact in 2023. The right-hander has shown excellent stuff in the minors and could be a key piece of the Diamondbacks’ rotation.
Colorado Rockies – Trevor Story
Trevor Story is one of the best shortstops in baseball and a key piece of the Rockies’ lineup. In 2022, he hit .272 with 32 home runs and 90 RBI and showed off his defense with a Gold Glove Award. Story will be a vital player for the Rockies in 2023, especially if they hope to compete in the competitive NL West.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Clayton Kershaw
Clayton Kershaw is a surefire Hall of Famer and one of the best pitchers in baseball history. In 2022, he had a 3.43 ERA and 174 strikeouts in 175 innings pitched. Kershaw will be a driving force for the Dodgers in 2023 as they strive for another World Series title.
San Diego Padres – Fernando Tatis Jr.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of the best young players in the game and the centerpiece of the Padres’ lineup. In 2022, he hit .283 with 45 home runs and 115 RBI and showed off his speed with 28 stolen bases. Tatis will be a crucial player for the Padres in 2023 and a potential MVP candidate.
San Francisco Giants – Joey Bart
Joey Bart is a top catching prospect who could make his big league debut in 2023. The power-hitting catcher has shown impressive offensive ability in the minors and could be a key part of the Giants’ lineup in the future.
In conclusion, every MLB team has their most important player heading into the 2023 season. Whether they are a veteran leader or a top prospect, each player will play a significant role in their team’s success throughout the year. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the start of the season to see how their teams will fare and who will step up as the most crucial player.
