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Best Offensive Improvements That Deserve Recognition

With the start of August and the dog days of summer, it’s time to look at some of the best offensive improvements of 2023. Some of these sluggers seem to have flown under the radar, but one, in particular, is making headlines daily. These players all have their teams in playoff contention. As the second half continues, their teams will need these sluggers to continue the offensive production as the postseason push goes into high gear. Here’s a look at some of the best-hitting turnarounds in 2023.

Offensive Improvements Across the League

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves

It’s no secret that Acuña Jr. is making things look easy this year. Acuna’s 2023 slash line of .331/.416/.571 in 481 plate appearances is one of the best in baseball. In 2022, he slashed only .266/.351/.413 in 533 plate appearances. Not only has his overall slash line improved, but Acuna has hit 24 home runs, with 61 RBI, and scored an MLB-leading 93 runs this season. His subpar 2022 included only 15 home runs, 50 RBI, and 71 runs. Acuna’s current turnaround has him leading the 2023 National League MVP race. 

Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies

Stott is in his sophomore season with Philadelphia. The Phillies second baseman has shown that increased big-league experience elevates his game. Last season, Stott had 466 plate appearances with a slash line of .234/.295/.358. This year, Stott has shown why the Phillies drafted him with their first pick in 2019. His current slash line of .299/.340/.429 in 427 plate appearances shows vast offensive growth. Stott has had 20 doubles on the season, one better than his 19 in 2022.

Brandon Marsh, Philadelphia Phillies

Stott’s teammate has also turned it around at the plate this season. Last year, Marsh managed a .245/.295/.384 slash line in 461 total plate appearances. Marsh is slashing .277/.364/.449 in 350 plate appearances. The uptick in on-base percentage is due to the 41 walks he has drawn, compared to just 28 last year. He has also hit 19 doubles and six triples this year compared to 18 images and four triples in 2022. His increased patience at the plate and extra-base hits have his OPS up from .679 in 2022 to .813 this season.

Jonah Heim, Texas Rangers

For the Texas Rangers, the offense has been clicking in 2023. Some of the credit for this year’s success should go to catcher Heim. He ended 2022 with 450 plate appearances and a disappointing slash line of .227/.298/.399. So far, in 2023, Heim is slashing .280/.337/.479 in 359 plate appearances. His 23 doubles in the current season have already surpassed his total of 20 last year. The Ranger backstop and first-time All-Star has also come through in the clutch, knocking in 70 RBI, compared to just 48 RBI all previous year. 

Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

Marte did not seem himself in 2022. In 558 plate appearances, Marte managed a .240/.321/.407 slash line, not typical of the Arizona slugger. He only managed to hit 12 home runs and two triples all of last season. However, 2023 seems to be a return to form for Marte. His .294/.372/.The 516 slash line in 440 plate appearances is more familiar to anyone following the Diamondbacks. His 18 home runs and MLB-leading seven triples have reflected in Marte’s impressive slugging percentage uptick.

Photo Credit: © David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Players mentioned:

Ronald Acuña Jr., Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh, Jonah Heim, Ketel Marte

Joe Blakley

Joe Blakley

Joe Blakley is a freelance writer with a focus on Major League Baseball. He was born and raised in Oklahoma and has been a lifelong baseball fan. Joe uses statistical analysis to help uncover overlooked information.

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