As we inch closer and closer to the start of MLB spring training, it’s a great time to look ahead to some of the projections for the 2023 season and see which players are primed to make a run for American League and National League MVP honors.
The 10 MLB players who are projected for monster 2023 campaigns
Let’s begin the list by stating that the statistics included with each player come from the Steamer projections on FanGraphs. We made sure in the initial Steamer data set to include every position player who could make an impact in 2023, so it was quite a long list that was narrowed down to the top 10.
10. Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves
Projected fWAR — 5.4
Projected slash line — .270/.367/.486 with 31 home runs and 81 RBI
After watching what Acuña did in his brief time in the Venezuelan league, Braves fans are certainly excited about what could be to come for the 25-year-old outfielder. Acuña played in 119 games last season and there was some talk about him battling knee soreness during the dog days of the campaign. However, he looks fully recovered from the horrific knee injury and subsequent surgery in 2021 and ready to make an impact in 2023.
9. Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres
Projected fWAR — 5.5
Projected slash line — .283/.365/.574 with 35 home runs and 91 RBI
Now this would be a way for Tatis Jr. to reintroduce himself to Padres fans (as well as the rest of the MLB fanbase) after a turbulent few months filled with injuries and a PED suspension.
The Padres are certainly counting on a stat-filled year from Tatis, pairing him with the rest of a lineup that has the firepower to potentially knock the Los Angeles Dodgers off the top of the National League West. After a run to the NLCS last season (without Tatis), can the 24-year-old slugger help San Diego go even further in 2023?