Breakouts of 2023: NL Central edition
In a division full of rising talent, the National League Central is proving to be tougher than most expected. With the struggles of the preseason favorite St. Louis Cardinals, the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs have both exceeded expectations as they continue to chase down the Milwaukee Brewers for the Central crown in 2023.
Here are three players that showed the most improvement this season.
Cody Bellinger, Chicago Cubs, outfielder: While it's odd to see a former Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player award winner on a breakout list, Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger's career resurgence in 2023 deserves the nod.
After a near-perfect start to his career that saw him hit 111 home runs in his first three seasons, he experienced a huge dropoff in production from 2020-22.
He hit .203 including 41 home runs and 134 RBI in 1,143 plate appearances over the last three seasons and he was ultimately released from the Dodgers this past offseason.
Not long after his arrival, Bellinger found his All-Star form again.
Currently slashing .317/.360/.550, Bellinger has 25 home runs and 89 RBI while adding 20 stolen bases in his first season with the Cubs.
With Chicago in the playoff picture for the first time since 2020, Belliger has been a big part of the team's turnaround.
With a player option for next season, Bellinger figures to opt out of his deal with the Cubs and will look to cash in on his renewed success.
Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates, third base: One of the best defensive third basemen in MLB since his arrival in 2020, Hayes has watched his bat lag behind at the big league level.
Slashing .261/.326/.386 with 18 home runs, 90 RBI and 30 stolen bases in 256 games from 2020-22, he left much to be desired production-wise at third base.
In 2023, his bat has started to pack more punch with career-highs in home runs and slugging percentage. Currently posting a .264/.305/.444 slash line, the 26-year-old has 44 XBH including 13 home runs and 55 RBI.
The Pirates hope he can continue his development at the plate, as they look to find a way to put a winning product on the field in Pittsburgh in 2024.
Spencer Steer, Cincinnati Reds, first base: Acquired in a trade deadline deal with the Minnesota Twins last season, Reds rookie first baseman Spencer Steer has been one of the most consistent hitters despite playing all over the field.
Logging time at four positions this season, Steer is slashing .269/.358/.452 with 20 home runs, 31 doubles and 78 RBI in 140 games played.
With his ability to go out and play no matter the position and have a solid at-bat every time he is at the plate, he has played a major part in their improvement this season.
With a lineup full of young talent, Steer looks like he will be a mainstay in the Reds lineup for years to come.
More must-reads: