CLEARWATER, FL - March 23: Philadelphia Phillies Shortstop Trea Turner (7) at bat during the spring training game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Detroit Tigers on March 23, 2023 at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch PHILADELPHIA - Baseball begins again on Thursday with opening day.
For some players and managers, it's also their first regular-season game with a new team.Here is a closer look at a couple people in new places who could have a big impact this year:—1B José Abreu, Houston Astros: Abreu has been one of baseball's most consistent performers since his big league debut in 2014.
He had at least 25 homers and 100 RBIs in six of his first nine seasons. The three-time All-Star hit .317 with 19 homers and 60 RBIs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, winning the AL MVP award.After beginning his major league career with the Chicago White Sox, Abreu finalized a $58.5 million, three-year contract with the World Series champions in November.
The addition of Abreu — with his steady presence in the lineup and clubhouse — became even more significant when Houston second baseman Jose Altuve broke his right thumb during the World Baseball Classic.—SS Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres: One of the biggest surprises of free agency was Bogaerts' $280 million, 11-year contract with San Diego in December.