Breakouts of 2023: NL East edition
Representing the National League in the World Series two straight seasons, the National League East will look to make it a third as it is home to the best record in MLB. With the possibility of three playoff teams in 2023, the competition has been top-notch.
Despite the struggles from one of the preseason favorites in the NL East, there have been many bright spots in the division, and looks like it will finish the season as the toughest division in the NL.
These are the three most improved players in the NL East during the 2023 season.
Lane Thomas, Washington Nationals, outfielder: Acquired at the trade deadline from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, Thomas has set career-highs in nearly every statistic so far in 2023.
The 28-year-old outfielder is slashing .282/.331/.484 with 59 XBH, including 24 home runs. The 2023 All-Star has added 77 RBI, 92 runs scored and 18 stolen bases with less than 20 games left in the regular season.
Thomas is looking like a potential building block for the Nationals, or could be an intriguing offseason trade candidate after having his name thrown around at the trade deadline.
Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies, second base: The No. 14 pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, Stott was shifted from shortstop to second base and he has not disappointed.
With the arrival of shortstop Trea Turner this offseason, Stott has developed into one of the best all-around second basemen in MLB since switching positions.
Slashing .290/.337/.434, the 25-year-old has 151 hits on the season and currently ranks eighth in the NL in that category.
Adding 45 XBH and 28 stolen bases, Stott has shown a good mixture of power and speed while playing some of the best defense at his position.
The Nevada native is looking like he could be one of the best second basemen in baseball for years to come, as well as a fan-favorite in the city of Philadelphia.
Jake Burger, Miami Marlins, third base: A first-round pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2017, Burger failed to secure consistent playing time during his first two stints with the White Sox from 2021-22.
After an unexpected deal to the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline, Burger has been one of the driving forces behind the team's offensive revival that has it pushing for a playoff spot. He is having the season many envisioned he would when he was drafted No. 11 overall.
Only 35 games into his Marlins career, Burger is slashing .295/.349/.500 with 15 XBH and 17 RBI as he settles into his new home. He has 56 XBH and 69 RBI overall in 2023.
With nine home runs across 66 career games coming into 2023, the 27-year-old third baseman currently has 31 home runs in 123 games this season.
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