Atlanta Braves Players Who Could Win Comeback Player of the Year in 2023
By Seth Carter
Atlanta Braves ’23 Comeback Candidate: Marcell Ozuna
Marcell Ozuna has had a rough couple of seasons since signing his four-year, $65 million deal… I mean, besides the fact that he’s made $32,000,000 during that time. Ozuna’s issues have been well documented. He was arrested twice and mostly struggled on the field.
Must Read. Why Braves Must Stick With Ozuna in 2023!. light
If you check out the article linked above, you will find some reminders as to why Ozuna earned such a large contract. Keep in mind, he hasn’t played a full season since he flirted with the Triple Crown in 2020. If he returns to form, he could be an easy candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year Award!
Atlanta Braves ’23 Comeback Candidate: Mike Soroka
Mike Soroka finished his rookie campaign in 2019 as an ace. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, Sixth in Cy Young voting, and made the All-Star team! He was anointed the ace of the staff after his rookie season.
He has pitched just 13.2 innings since then.
Soroka has dealt with a series of serious injuries, including an Achilles that has torn twice, and three surgeries. Soroka tore his Achilles in 2020 and suffered a complete re-tear in June of 2021.
Soroka made an effort to return late last season as the Braves pushed toward the postseason but posted a 5.40 ERA in Gwinnett. His season would end due to shoulder inflammation.
Although his ERA wasn’t great in his brief time in the minors last year, there were some positives to take away. His velocity was there and he showed flashes of brilliance with a couple of great games.
Soroka has battled entirely too much adversity in his young career. Some have questioned whether he’ll be able to return after three surgeries. With a full offseason ahead of him and the potential to recapture his 2019 glory, Mike Soroka is an optimal candidate for this award.
Atlanta Braves ’23 Comeback Candidate: Ozzie Albies
Ozzie Albies finished 2021 with 30 HRs, 106 RBI, 103 R, and 20 steals. He followed that up by playing in just 64 games and setting career lows in average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. It was the first time in his career he finished with an OPS+ of less than 100.
He missed most of the season due to injury and wasn’t quite right while he played.
Albies is still young but has a long track record of success. Albies is fast and stole 20 bases in 2021. With the new pickoff rules coming in 2023, he’s just the type of player that could pad his stolen base stats next year. Albies should put himself in the running for the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Atlanta Braves ’23 Comeback Candidate: Ian Anderson
Over his first two seasons, Ian Anderson posted a 3.25 ERA over 160.2 innings. He finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2021. He looked on the cusp of breaking out in 2022. After 111.2 IP, it was evident Anderson wasn’t pitching the same.
He ended the season with a demotion and a 5.00 ERA. You can read more about the disappointing season Anderson had here.
If he can regain his form and earn his way back into the rotation in 2023, Anderson will be a candidate for the award.
Next. More Signs Braves Won't Re-Sign Dansby Swanson. dark
Which Braves player is most likely to win this award? Let us know in the comments below! Love you!