The players are perhaps the only people on earth who obsess over the Major League Baseball Playoffs more than the fans. And while the adage “take one game at a time” sounds easy, sports aficionados understand that every player is thinking about the postseason.
Stephen Troese Jr. says that even though it isn’t quite yet opening day, fans and players alike are looking ahead with their key dates and, of course, predictions for the season.
2023 MLB Playoffs: Key Upcoming Dates
As most hardcore fans will know, the Major League Baseball season officially starts on Thursday, March 30.
The season will begin with the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves at 1:05 pm ET, alongside the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees. By the evening (provided the weather plays ball), the 30 teams will have started their push toward the Commissioner’s Trophy.
The 162-game schedule will come to an end on Sunday, October 1. At this point, it’s time to prepare for an entire month of postseason – the MLB Playoffs start on Tuesday, October 3.
Potentially, Game 7 of the World Series will run on Saturday, November 4.
A Per-Player Prediction Deep Dive for MLB 2023
These key dates are important for all. But those who love to get ahead should analyze the per-player predictions below for an expert look at the MLB happenings ahead.
The Catchers
Philadelphia Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto became the second catcher to go 20-20 for home runs and stolen bases in last year’s season. So, experts expect him to bag a 25-25 season this year.
Analysts expect St. Louis Cardinals’ Willson Contreras to fall short of 20 home runs in 2023. Despite him being one of just three catchers with four seasons of above 20 home runs since 2017, the former Chicago Cub hasn’t hit well at his new home stadium.
As for Salvador Perez from Kansas City Royals, his throws to second base have fallen. And experts suggest a further decrease this year.
The First Basemen
Unfortunately for Paul Goldschmidt fans, his declining metrics are forecasted to stay the same. Last season shows there’s some serious bad luck about to come this National League MVP’s way.
But things are looking extremely positive for Pete Alonso from the New York Mets. The prediction is that he will take the National League home run title in 2023.
The Shortstops
The 30-30 is the only thing Trea Turner from the Philadelphia Phillies hasn’t done. But experts are expecting him to hit it this season, citing the Citizens Bank Park’s small dimensions and the new rules as fundamental driving forces.
Francisco Lindor from the New York Mets is forecasted to hit 30 home runs — after all, he’s done it before and came reasonably close last year.
The Center Fielders
The only way for Michael Harris II from Atlanta to avoid regressing is if he sticks last year’s .361 average on in-play balls.
As for Brandon Nimmo from the New York Mets, his OBP is forecasted to go back over .400.