Each MLB American League Team’s Surprise Player
Baseball has seen a number of players step up out of nowhere during the 2020 season
The 2020 Major League Baseball season is winding down, with mere days until the postseason starts in this pandemic-abbreviated year. Teams had to get up to speed quickly if they wanted to stay in the pennant race and welcomed help on their roster wherever they could find it. Some contributions have been pleasantly unexpected. With that being said, here is the biggest surprise player on each American League team.
Baltimore Orioles- Shortstop, Jose Iglesias: Coming to the big leagues nearly a decade ago, everyone knew Iglesias could hit but there were significant concerns about his light bat. His defense has fallen off a bit this year (his -0.3 dWAR is the first time he has had a negative figure in that category in his career), but he is raking like never before. Signed to a bargain contract this past offseason, he has appeared in 33 games, hitting .381 with 21 RBIs. He has but a lone home run, but has chipped in 14 doubles, helping him to an impressive .917 OPS.
Boston Red Sox- Outfielder, Alex Verdugo: As the centerpiece the Red Sox received for trading their superstar Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers this past offseason, expectations were high on the 24-year-old. His…
