8. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros
Projected fWAR — 5.5
Projected slash line — .283/.375/.556 with 36 home runs and 105 RBI
The 25-year-old Alvarez earned his first All-Star Game appearance last season and ended the campaign by hitting a career-high 37 homers as he helped the Astros win the World Series. He was a nightmare for the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, hitting a pair of pivotal home runs to help the Astros escape the round.
Houston is geared for another run at the Fall Classic this season, and Alvarez will likely be a big part of the success in south Texas.
7. Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays
Projected fWAR — 5.5
Projected slash line — .286/.348/.453 with 16 home runs and 75 RBI
Yes, this could well be the year that we see the Franco breakout for the Rays. After playing in 83 games last season, the 21-year-old Franco is projected to be the Opening Day starter at shortstop for the Rays and FanGraphs has him playing in 144 games this season, just under the 153 he has played in the first two seasons he has suited up for Tampa Bay.
Franco missed two months last season with a hamate bone injury, keeping him from exploding onto the scene in 2022. If he stays healthy, 2023 could very well be the season we see exactly what he can bring to the present and future for the Rays.