We are getting closer to the end of the World Series with two games in the books. As a result, fans have begun debating the champion and the eventual World Series MVP. So far, these players are the best standouts from the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros.
J.T. Realmuto
Despite this being his first chance in the postseason, you wouldn’t know it the way he has been playing. After becoming the first catcher to hit an inside-the-park home hun, he is making history. As the playoffs progress, Realmuto has improved at the plate. He is leading the Phillies in runs scored with 11, and he is second on the Phillies in hits with 13. During this World Series, Realmuto provided the game-winning home run in Game 1. Does he have any other moment of playoff magic in him?
Kyle Tucker
Tucker has become a mainstay in the Astros’ lineup. The outfielder has been clutch this postseason. Tucker has been able to get on base drawing five walks so far. While he was left off the scoresheet in Game Two, he had three hits in Game One. Two of those hits were home runs against Aaron Nola. So far in nine playoff games, he has three home runs and five RBI. As he is batting in the heart of the order, the Astros hope he puts them over the top.
Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman is no stranger to the World Series. Having played in four of the last six World Series, the third baseman has appeared in 22 World Series games. So far, Bregman has delivered a home run in Game 2 and an RBI. Currently in the playoffs he is batting .316/.366/.632 with three home runs and six RBI. He has also scored 5 runs for the Astros as well. As a veteran of the World Series, maybe this is the year he becomes the World Series MVP.
Bryce Harper
If the Phillies were to win the World Series, it would be on the back of Bryce Harper. Despite having an injury that limits his ability to field, Harper has been phenomenal at the plate. In 14 games, the Designated Hitter has five home runs, 11 RBI and a batting average near .400. After becoming the NLCS MVP for hitting the game-winning home run, the 30-year old from Las Vegas may have more clutch hits coming. Harper has been the Phillies’ playoff MVP so far, and could lead them to their first World Series in fourteen years.
Framber Valdez
A starting pitcher rarely becomes a World Series MVP, but it has happened in recent memory. Going into the World Series, Framber was known for quality starts and Game Two was no exception. Through 6 1/3 innings, Valdez only gave up four hits, and one earned run while striking out nine. In his other two starts in the playoffs, he threw a combined 12 2/3 innings only allowing two earned runs. Both were in fact wins for the Astros. With another start later in the series, Valdez may be good enough to win the title and the MVP.
Kyle Schwarber
Schwarber has been the most consistent member of the Phillies this season. Becoming the 2022 Taco Hero proves that Schwarber can go to great lengths to help his team win. Unlike most Phillies, he has won a World Series before, and is poised to do it again. So far Schwarber has three home runs and six RBI on nine hits. As the leadoff hitter, it gives him the most chances to pull off that clutch hit.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Bryce Harper, Framber Valdez, Kyle Schwarber
