Every team’s X-factor for the 2023 MLB postseason
Players who have never been
Evan Carter, Texas Rangers
The Rangers called up one of the top prospects in baseball in Evan Carter on Sept. 8 and he has emerged as a star since. Carter hit .316 in 62 at-bats while also slugging at an astounding .645 clip. Texas has not played its best baseball down the stretch, so it will need someone like Carter to step up and emerge as a star in his first postseason if it wants a chance at going all the way.
No. 8 MLB prospect Evan Carter (@Rangers) wallops his 4th Major League homer — 3rd in the past 4 games. pic.twitter.com/Uk8RwRF8zM
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 24, 2023
Taj Bradley, Tampa Bay Rays
Bradley was a coveted prospect when he was called up to the majors this year, but unfortunately, it has not been a rookie campaign to remember. Bradley had a season ERA of 5.59 with a WHIP of 1.39. The 22-year-old righty has more recently come out of the bullpen in his last two outings for the Rays and that is possibly how they will look to utilize him throughout October. He has the talent to be a force out of the bullpen for them in their postseason run, but can he put it all together to reach that potential?
Top-ranked @RaysBaseball prospect Taj Bradley's first MLB strikeout comes against a two-time All-Star! pic.twitter.com/wyXzLNxUWI
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 12, 2023
Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers put together another 100-win season and rookie Bobby Miller did his part to get them there. The flamethrower finished the year with a 3.76 ERA and served as a vital piece in their rotation when they dealt with injuries. That will have to continue into the postseason. Miller will likely be the team’s No. 2 starter in the playoffs and it will be important for him not to crack under the bright lights.
"Not everyone expected us to get to 100 but everyone in this clubhouse knew we could do it." Bobby Miller reflects on the #Dodgers 2023 regular season. pic.twitter.com/rvAb6hZlAn
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 1, 2023
