Breakouts of 2023: NL West edition
With what would be their 10th National League West title in the last 11 years virtually wrapped up, the Los Angeles Dodgers look primed for another deep postseason run, but they might not be alone as NL West teams in the playoffs. With the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants both still alive in the wild-card hunt, the division has been full of surprises in 2023.
Here are three of the most improved players in the NL West.
Ha-Seong Kim, San Diego Padres, second base: A defensive wizard at second base for the Padres, Kim has finally figured things out at the plate with his best season since arriving from the Korean Baseball Organization in 2021.
In his first two years in the MLB, Kim struggled to find success with the bat. Slashing .235/.306/.372 with 19 home runs, 93 RBI and 18 stolen bases in 267 games during that span.
With 141 games played in 2023, the 27-year-old has a .268/.358/.413 slash line with 17 home runs, 58 RBI and 35 stolen bases while also likely earning a shot at a Gold Glove.
While the season has been a disappointment for the Padres, they will look to bounce back in 2024 and Kim will figure to play a big role if they do.
Nolan Jones, Colorado Rockies, outfielder: Making his MLB debut last season with the Cleveland Guardians, outfielder Nolan Jones was dealt to the Colorado Rockies in November of 2022 after just 28 games under his belt.
After spending a little over a month in the minor league to begin 2023, Nolan Jones has been the most consistent hitter on the Rockies since his arrival.
With 38 XBH including 16 home runs, the 25-year-old is slashing .275/.355/.511 while going 13-for-15 on stolen base attempts in 89 games played so far this season.
With his ability to play multiple positions, he will provide manager Bud Black with a versatile piece to plug into his lineup.
Jones figures to be a big part of the Rockies plans going forward.
Ryan Walker, San Francisco Giants, pitcher: With openers becoming a more common theme among teams in the MLB, Giants rookie pitcher Ryan Walker has been one of the better openers in baseball during 2023.
4-2 with a 2.13 ERA, the 27-year-old has 67 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched while providing the Giants with quality innings whether it be starting or relieving.
Over his last 15 games, Walker has been lights out allowing only two runs over his last 15.2 innings pitched, good for a 1.15 ERA while striking out 26 batters.
Walker looks like a pitcher who can continue to have success on the mound, no matter the role.
More must-reads: