Plus: Players who need to step up in 2023
A lot of attention is paid to all of the big signings and trades made during Hot Stove season, but the moves that aren't made can be equally important.
Last offseason, the Astros didn't bring in an outside replacement after losing Carlos Correa to the Twins in free agency, opting instead to give rookie Jeremy Peña the opportunity to seize the starting shortstop job. Peña went on to produce 4.8 wins above replacement in the regular season, then earned both the ALCS and World Series MVP Awards as the Astros won it all.
Similarly, the spotlight is now on these eight players heading into 2023, given the holes that weren't addressed by their clubs before all of the elite free agents came off the board. Although the trade market could still shake up the landscape, these eight are currently positioned to be pivotal players for teams with serious postseason aspirations in 2023. |
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| There's a lot to like about Korean speedster Jung-hoo Lee -- not the least of which is his nickname, "Grandson of the Wind." Best of all, the KBO MVP intends to play in MLB in 2024. |
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He's won a World Series title and an MVP Award, and his shelves are loaded with Cy Young Award trophies. Now, Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw wants to add a World Baseball Classic gold medal. |
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On a July day in 1993, Tom Browning decided he wanted to watch the Reds play the Cubs from somewhere other than the dugout. So he left Wrigley Field and went across the street, where he was welcomed atop one of the houses on Sheffield Ave. |
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The retired Mets third baseman shares a birthday with Hall of Famers Branch Rickey and Gabby Hartnett. |
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Watch the Guardians walk off the Twins in the 15th inning, with added insights from Anthony Recker, Ron Darling and Scott Braun on MLB Network at 2:30 p.m. ET. |
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Which former No. 1 overall Draft pick was the Dodgers' starting pitcher -- and also went the distance -- when Tom Browning threw his perfect game? |
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