September is almost over and so is the MLB regular season.
The MLB playoffs separate the game changers from the fakers. There are tons of pressure, and everybody reacts to it differently.
Pressure for not only teams, but also for players. There are two MLBbros in particular who will face a significant amount of pressure in the waning stages of the regular season, and the postseason: Atlanta Braves’ outfielder Michael Harris II and Texas Rangers’ second baseman Marcus Semien.
After a stellar rookie season, MLB Michael Harris II flamed out in the playoffs last season. He batted .297 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI, which was enough to win the National League Rookie of the Year award.
But he was able to only register a single hit in the National League Division Series against the eventual National League champion Philadelphia Phillies. In 14 plate appearances Harris tallied one hit, zero walks, and only one RBI.
He is once again having a stellar season with similar hitting production from a year ago, but for the Braves to win another World Series title, he will have to sustain his success into the playoffs.
MLBbro Semien was a high-profile free agent signing for the Texas Rangers prior to the 2022 MLB season.
Although his first year in Arlington did meet expectations, he gutted out the first 20-20 season of his career and then responded with an All-Star performance in 2023. The team has benefited from his excellence, and they now are entering playoff baseball for the first time since 2016.
The MLBbro, along with Corey Seager were signed because they are both All-Star veterans with playoff experience. Semien has been to the postseason three times, all with the Oakland Athletics. He has batted .371 with two home runs and four RBI across four series.
Both of these MLBbros will be heavily relied on by their respective teams to produce this postseason. Although Harris is in just his second season, and the early stages of his career, he is a vital part to the Braves’ success. Even a lineup that is challenging the MLB record for team homers can’t afford for key bats to go cold. The Braves need Money Mike on base and he’s such a luxury to have at the bottom of the lineup because he doesn’t hit like an 8 or 9 hole guy.
Semien on the other hand was awarded with a lucrative contract and although he has delivered a great season, legacies are made in October. Both players will look to establish themselves on the grand stage come next month.
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