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1 player from each MLB team that has surprised in a good way in 2022

By Noah Yingling

May 9, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes delivers a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes delivers a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Brewers: Rowdy Tellez

The Milwaukee Brewers got Rowdy Tellez during the 2021 season from Toronto and since, he has been great for them. In 2022, though, he has stepped it up even more.

Tellez entered Tuesday with seven homers, an NL-leading 26 RBI, and an OPS+ of 149.

St. Louis Cardinals: Miles Mikolas

Miles Mikolas has only made nine appearances (all starts) in the last two seasons due to injuries for the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 2019, he led the NL in losses after he led the NL in wins in 2018. He has been similar to that 2018 version of himself as to start the 2022 season, Mikolas is 2-1 with a 1.53 ERA in six starts. He has a 3.00 FIP, a 242 ERA+, and a 0.991 WHIP as well.

Pittsburgh Pirates: José Quintana

José Quintana was awful for the Angels and Giants last year (6.43 ERA, 29 games, 10 starts) but he has been fantastic for the Pittsburgh Pirates this year.

In six starts, he has a 2.70 ERA with an ERA+ of 147, a 3.68 FIP, and a 1.20 WHIP.

Chicago Cubs: Keegan Thompson

Keegan Thompson made his MLB debut for the Chicago Cubs last season and while he had decent results, his control was an issue (5.2 BB/9).

In 2022, he has dropped that walk rate down to 3.1 BB/9 in seven long relief appearances (23 innings), he has a 1.17 ERA with a 3.26 FIP, and a 0.957 WHIP.

Cincinnati Reds: Alexis Díaz

The Cincinnati Reds have been an atrocious team to start the 2022 season. Among one of only two or three bright spots for the team has been Alexis Díaz.

Díaz made his MLB debut this season and in 13 appearances, he has a 0.64 ERA. He has a 3.22 FIP, a 0.929 WHIP, and striking out more than 10 batters per nine innings.

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