We're 1/4 through the MLB regular season, and these three stars have bounced back after disappointing 2022 seasons.
In the first six weeks of the MLB regular season, there have been plenty of surprising developments.
The St. Louis Cardinals struggling and spending the early weeks in last place in the National League Central. The Pittsburgh Pirates being one of the best teams in baseball through the first month led by young star Mitch Keller. The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays being among the best teams in the American League.
But there have also been the re-emergence of stars throughout baseball. Here are three stars that have bounced back in 2023, starting with Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Cody Bellinger, Chicago Cubs
When the Los Angeles Dodgers non-tendered Cody Bellinger, people around the talented outfielder were optimistic that a change of scenery would be what he'd need to get back to his MVP-caliber play.
Bellinger has done just that.
In 37 games, the 27-year-old Bellinger is hitting .271/.337/.493 with seven home runs and 20 RBI. They are his best numbers since the 2019 season, as he's hit between .165 and .239 in each of the last three seasons as he's dealt with an assortment of injuries.
If Bellinger continues this level of play, he will be in strong position to cash in as a free agent in the offseason. It's precisely what he and his agent, Scott Boras, envisioned when they signed a one-year deal in the offseason — and through the first 1/4 of the season, it has gone about as well as they and the Cubs could have hoped.
Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers
Having spent time covering the Milwaukee Brewers, and spending time around Christian Yelich, it was obvious how much the unusual circumstances — the lockout and COVID-shortened season –impacted the former MVP.
Now, after going through a normal spring training and being 100% healthy, Yelich looks back. And that's a massive development for the Brewers, especially considering he's in the second year of a massive nine-year, $215 million contract extension.
In 40 games, Yelich is hitting .258/.341/.424 with seven home runs and 23 RBI. And in his last 14 games, he's hitting .333/.396/.604 with a 1.000 OPS, four home runs and 12 RBI.
A big test for Yelich will be if he can stay healthy, as he's dealt with back injuries in recent years. If he's able to stay healthy, and he continues to perform at this level, the Brewers could be one of the most dangerous teams in the NL.
Juan Soto, San Diego Padres
When the San Diego Padres acquired Juan Soto at the 2022 trade deadline, sending an abundance of their top prospects to the Nationals, they expected Soto to play like the best player in baseball. A franchise-altering type player who could help lead them to the World Series.
While the Padres made it to the National League Championship Series last year, Soto never played like himself. In 52 games, he hit .236/.388/.390 with six home runs and 16 RBI and seemingly did not look comfortable in San Diego.
To start the 2023 season, it was more of the same. But in his last 28 games, he's hitting .314/.449/.558 with four home runs and 13 RBI and looks a lot like the player that the Padres envisioned they were getting last summer.
Soto's presence is everything for the Padres. If he continues to play like this, a World Series becomes much more attainable. That would also open up the door for a massive contract, with Soto already turning down a $440 million extension from the Nationals last summer.