Seasons That Make You Think "Wow" They Weren't That Bad This Year

This Is MY List.

As the regular season ends, I need to start thinking about blogs that don’t have to do with the Red Sox. It hurts, but it is necessary, especially as I continue my journey to become a BBWAA writer.

So, I started to dig into some stats and list a few players for whom I thought, “Wow, they didn’t have a terrible season.” Some of you might see this and think, “How did you not realize they were having a solid season?” I knew they were doing “solid,” but I was surprised at how well some were doing. Just look at Spencer Steer! I had no clue he had 100 RBIs.

Manny Machado

WAR: 3.2/(PA): 629/Hits 159/ HR: 29/ RBI: 104/ SB: 11/ BA: .275/ OPS: .803/ OPS+:121

This season is far from his 2022 MVP runner-up campaign. However, it is an improvement over his very lackluster, barely above average, 2023.

He is bringing less and less on the defensive side. Those GG days are over, but if he can be a 30 HR/100 RBI for two or three more seasons, he should lock up a HOF bid.

O’Neil Cruz

WAR: 2.7 / PA: 584 / Hits: 140 / HR: 21 / RBI: 76 / SB: 22 / BA: .265 / OPS: .786 / OPS+: 117

The Cruz/Cruz comparison has been going on for a few years now. If you followed baseball on X and didn’t watch the Pirates, you would think they were a stratosphere apart right now. Yeah, that WAR doesn’t look great, and a lot of that differential comes from Oneil’s terrible defense. Pittsburgh seems to have noticed that, and I imagine he will be in the OF next year.

Looking at the offense, it isn’t THAT different. For that reason, I am putting Cruz on this list.

Matt Olson

WAR: 4.0 / PA: 664 / Hits: 143 / HR: 29 / RBI: 98 / SB: 0 / BA: .246 / OPS: .796 / OPS+: 119

Matt Olson’s 2023 was incredible, so it's no surprise the expectations this year were steep. Again, on the surface, you would think he is having a bad year. However, he is essentially replicating his 2022 season. That is when they gave him his current contract of $21 million per year. So, I don’t think the Braves are too upset about that.

Spencer Steer

WAR: 1.8 / PA: 643 / Hits: 128 / HR: 20 / RBI: 92 / SB: 25 / BA: .228 / OPS: .731 / OPS+: 99

Steer has regressed in a lot of offensive categories. His defense also sucks, the same as last year.

BUT

He has a 20/20 season and knocked in almost 100 runs. A WOW for me.

Eugenio Suarez

WAR: 3.0 / PA: 627 / Hits: 141 / HR: 29 / RBI: 98 / SB: 2 / BA: .253 / OPS: .783 / OPS+: 115

What if I told you Eugenio Suares was closing in on 300 home runs and 1,000 RBIs? Well, he is.

He has also been having his best season since 2019. I heard more about Corbin Carroll being terrible half the year than Suarez having the 3rd best season of his very solid career.

Also, balls were totally juiced in 2019.

If you haven't already, please consider subscribing below.