One player can be more than a game-changer. One player can be a season-changer. Look at what Justin Verlander did last season for Houston: from missing all of 2021 after Tommy John surgery to a Cy Young Award–winning season in which the Astros were 23–9 when he took the ball, including the swing game of their World Series victory. Based on little to no contributions in ’22, here are the biggest potential difference-makers this season.
1. Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres, OF
From 2019 to ’21, he was one of the three best players in the game. Still only 24 years old and after not playing for 18 months due to injuries and an 80-game PED suspension, Tatis believes he will get back to that same level.
2. Jacob deGrom, Rangers, RHP
The injury history is a factor, but there is no other pitcher who can throw a baseball at such velocities with command the way deGrom does. Texas can be a postseason team if deGrom makes 25 to 30 starts.
3. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles, IF
After getting a 34-game cameo last season, Henderson, only 21, has the tools to be one of the most exciting players in the game. Think Corey Seager with plus-speed and plus-plate recognition.
4. Jordan Walker, Cardinals, OF
Originally listed at 6'5", 220 pounds, the 20-year-old Walker now goes about 6'6" and 250 with light tower power. There is some swing-and-miss in his game, but he can make the Cardinals’ lineup scary deep.
5. Chris Sale, Red Sox, LHP
He has made only 11 starts over the past three years, so perhaps a 30-start season at age 34 is asking too much. But when Sale is right, he is a dominant strikeout machine.
