Breakouts of 2023: AL West edition
The American League West crown has been a three-way battle for a majority of 2023 and it looks as if it will stay that way up until the final game of the season. The Houston Astros, currently in first place, are be looking for their sixth AL West title in the last seven years. But with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners right behind them, the path to another division title is bumpier than it has been in the past.
In a league with plenty of young talent, the AL West should continue being one of the tougher divisions in baseball for the foreseeable future.
Here are the three most improved players in the AL West.
Chas McCormick, Houston Astros, outfielder: With two seasons of solid production under his belt, McCormick is taking the next step in 2023.
One of the best defensive centerfielders in baseball, the 28-year-old has improved his production at the plate to match his prowess patrolling the outfield for the Astros.
With career-highs in virtually every hitting category, McCormick is slashing .282/.362/.510 with 20 home runs and 63 RBI. He has been effective on the base paths, with 16 stolen bases in 20 attempts.
With the Astros primed for another deep postseason run, McCormick will look to become a household name during the playoffs.
Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics, outfielder: Claimed off of waivers from the Kansas City Royals in November of 2022, Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker has burst onto the scene after years of mediocrity.
Bouncing around the league, Rooker spent time with three MLB clubs from 2020-22 and struggled at each stop. In stints with the Twins, Royals and Padres, Rooker slashed .200/.289/.379 with 10 home runs and 23 RBI.
In his first season with the A's in 2023, Rooker made his first All-Star team and is currently posting a .241/.327/.466 slash line with 24 home runs and 58 RBI.
Rooker has been a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season in Oakland.
Mickey Moniak, Los Angeles Angels, outfielder: The first overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak struggled during his time in the MLB with the Philadelphia Phillies and was shipped out at last year's trade deadline.
In his three major league stints with the Phillies, Moniak was awful, slashing .129/.214/.172 with one home run and five RBI in 47 appearances from 2020-22.
Since his arrival in Los Angeles, he has looked like a new player.
In 102 games played for the Angels, the 25-year-old outfielder has a .280/.307/.490 slash line including 13 home runs and 43 RBI while playing all three outfield positions.
With the future of the Angels uncertain, Moniak should enter 2024 with a firm hold on a starting outfield spot.
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