Ever feel like you are Marty McFly, and you just came back from the future with the Sports Almanac? Well, in this case, that’s me.
As we wait with bated breath for another one-of-a-kind season of Major League Baseball, we look forward to performances of some of the game’s most promising bros on the bump.
This year’s roster of talent is nothing short of spectacular, with each hurler set to make an impact for their squad. Let’s “brodict” their performances and see where they will stand statistically by the end of the year.
Marcus “Stro Show” Stroman, this Yankee, known for his impressive tool kit of pitches and competitive spirit, is expected to continue his consistent performance on the mound. Stroman’s ability to induce ground balls and keep hitters off balance will help him maintain an ERA in the low 3s with a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Josiah “Sway” Gray is set to showcase his talent and potential this season, after putting up ace-like numbers in 2023. With his dynamic arsenal of pitches and deceptive delivery, Gray could emerge as a consistent starter for the Nationals with an ERA in the mid-3s and over 150 strikeouts.
Hunter Greene Machine, heralded for his blazing fastball and electric stuff, is looking to make a splash in his debut season with the Reds. While he may experience some growing pains as he adjusts to the rigors of the big leagues, Greene’s raw talent suggests the potential for an ERA in the high 3s to low 4s with flashes of brilliance on the mound. Expect close to 170 strikeouts if he stays healthy.
Devin “Airbender” Williams, the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, is expected to build upon his stellar performance from last season. Arguably the best closer in the game, Williams has a devastating changeup and impeccable command. This Brewer’s closer could maintain an ERA below 2.00 for the third straight year. He will continue to rack up strikeouts and likely record over 30 saves.
Taijuan “Fly Tai” Walker, known for his calm demeanor and resilience on the mound, is ready to make an impact in his second season with the Phillies. Walker’s ability to mix pitches and keep hitters guessing is in his DNA. Expect him to post an ERA in the mid-3s while providing valuable innings and stability to the starting rotation.
Black Jack Flaherty, seen as one of the premier young bros in the game, is expected to bounce back from a challenging season in 2023. Flaherty’s specialties are his electric fastball and devastating slider. He could return to his All-Star caliber form in Detroit this year, with an ERA in the mid 3s and a high strikeout rate.
While these predictions offer insight into what fans can expect from these talented Bro pitchers, it is important to remember that baseball is unpredictable – just like Marty’s adventures back to 1985, and any number of unknowns can influence a player’s performance throughout the season. From injuries to adjustments made by opposing hitters, the journey of a baseball season is full of twists and turns.
As the new season unfolds, baseball fans will eagerly watch as these melanated mound marauders, each hoping to leave their mark on the game and contribute to their team’s success. With talent, determination, and a bit of luck, these pitchers have the potential to make this season one to remember for MLB fans everywhere.
The Minnesota Twins had a new face on the mound during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Simeon Woods Richardson made his MLB debut and started for the Twins.
The 22-year-old went five innings, giving up two earned runs and struck out three batters. He ended up taking the loss, but Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was impressed by his performance.
“He’s going to be thinking about this start for a long time, and he’s going to take it into the offseason, and he’s going to go over at-bats in his head, and he’s going to be thinking about that first inning, and he’s going to be thinking about the last inning, and everything in between,” Baldelli said in an article from mlb.com. “These are the reasons why we bring guys up and let them go out there and experience and compete and do all of these things.”
Woods Richardson was anxious during his debut, but after he got through the first inning, he was able to settle down.
“I was breathing for maybe half a second,” he said. “I was almost hyperventilating. But after the first inning was done, we got back into the zone. We got back into the rhythm, mental cues that I had, and just pitched my game.”
He became 13th Twins rookie to take the field in 2022 — the franchise’s second-consecutive losing season — and the youngest MLB pitcher to make a start on the mound this season as well. Woods Richardson was the 48th overall selection by the New York Mets in the 2018 draft. He was acquired from Toronto in the Jose Berrios trade a year ago. Before his promotion, the Texas native made seven starts in Triple-A and finished with a 2-0 record with a 2.21 ERA.
The day finally came for Woods Richardson. A moment he’s been waiting for since he began his professional career. Now that he’s got to experience an MLB game, he can use that going into the offseason as he prepares to make the team for the 2023 season.
“It put me on a better note for next year, see what I need to work on, see what I need to critique, see what I need to tackle in different game plans,” Woods Richardson said. “I think I loved all of that. Tried to soak it up as much as I can, tried not to let it rush me.”
This is a brother who could potentially be in the Twins rotation down the line. It’s good we got a chance to see what he has to offer.
Those 47 are the most ever tracked by Statcast in a single start.
He finished with a career high 11 strikeouts in six shutout innings and allowed just four hits as he got the no decision against the National League Central leading St. Louis Cardinals.
Greene’s no stranger to pumping gas on the mound and with the Reds out of contention his time off was more so for rest than anything else. the melanated mound marauder has found some consistency after showing flashes of brilliance early in the season.
His next start will come next Thursday against another playoff hopeful team, the Milwaukee Brewers.
Triston “Sticks” McKenzie
Triston McKenzie has now registered eight quality starts in a row and continues to be one of the biggest factors in Cleveland’s run to their first playoff berth since becoming the Guardians.
Friday McKenzie fought through a few struggles as his team was down 3-0 early, but he held Twins down long enough for his team to comeback and eventually win 4-3. McKenzie struck out eight hitters through seven innings and allowed seven hits. He didn’t walk a batter, which is a very positive sign.
With his Guardians being in the pennant chase for the American League Central, what McKenzie has done this season and particularly in September has been big. In three starts this month he is 1-0 with a 2.29 ERA, 18 strikeouts and a .216 batting average against.
Going back into August, McKenzie has a 2.84 ERA with 46 strikeouts and just 10 walks with a 2-3 record. His next start will have huge divisional implications. It will come against the Chicago White Sox who are only a few games behind Cleveland for the lead in the division.
Marcus Stroman
Marcus Stroman showed out in the Chi on the weekend of his bobblehead give-a-way. The Cubs ace had everything working, giving the Windy City fans a taste of what he can do when he’s healthy.
Bobblehead day at Wrigley today. Thankful to the @Cubs and the fanbase for all the love/support. It’s an honor to put on the jersey and compete in front of y’all! 🗣 pic.twitter.com/NkTXajuMZh
Friday afternoon, Stroman set down the final 11 batters he faced on his way to going seven innings and giving up just one run in a win against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies did not get a hit against Stroman through the first 5.2 innings of the game as the movement by Stroman’s pitches kept batters on their heels the entire game.
Since the All-Star Break Stroman has a 3.03 ERA and with this being the first season of a four-year $71 deal, it’s great to see him close the year out on a high note.
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