This past season presented a significant turning point for two prominent baseball players. Goldschmidt faced his worst career showing, yet his durability remained unwavering. In 154 games, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the game, hitting just.245 with a.716 OPS and 98 OPS+, but still managing to record 33 doubles, 22 home runs, and driving 65 runs. Against left-handed pitching, the 12-year veteran continued to be a force, recording a.295 average and.839 OPS in 81 games. As the year progressed, he even showed a burst of power, hitting.271 with nine home runs in 62 second-half games, clearly indicating that he still has a lot to offer.

Goldschmidt's Career Challenges and Resilience

During this season, Goldschmidt's performance was a topic of much discussion. His low batting average and OPS might have raised some eyebrows, but his ability to stay on the field and contribute in other ways was remarkable. His 33 doubles and 22 home runs showed that he still has the power to make an impact. Even though his overall stats might not be as high as in previous seasons, his consistency and determination are evident. The fact that he was able to turn it around in the second half of the season gives hope that he can bounce back and continue to be a valuable asset to his team.

Goldschmidt's Performance Against Lefties

Goldschmidt's prowess against left-handed pitching is a notable aspect of his game. In 81 games against southpaws, he recorded a.295 average and.839 OPS. This shows his ability to adapt and perform well against different types of pitchers. His success against lefties is a testament to his skills and experience, and it makes him a valuable asset in the lineup. Whether it's his patience at the plate or his ability to drive the ball, Goldschmidt has shown that he can handle left-handed pitching with ease.

Goldschmidt's Second-Half Surge

As the season wound down, Goldschmidt showed a significant increase in his performance. Hitting.271 with nine home runs in 62 second-half games was a clear indication that he still has some juice left in the tank. This surge in performance was a welcome sight for his team and fans alike. It shows that he is capable of rising to the occasion and delivering when it matters most. His ability to turn things around in the second half gives hope that he can continue to improve and have a successful season in the future.

Hernandez's Journey and Success with the Blue Jays

Hernandez's story with the Blue Jays is a different one. He broke into the league with the Astros in 2016 and 2017, making small cameos before really finding his footing at the 2017 trade deadline. Since then, he has had a highly successful six-year stint with the team, becoming a fan favorite. During this time, he hit 22 or more home runs four times, made an All-Star Game, and won two Silver Slugger Awards. His presence in the lineup was a key factor in the Blue Jays' offensive success, and he formed a solid core with players like Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Hernandez's Early Career with the Astros

Hernandez's early days in the league with the Astros were a learning experience. Those small cameos gave him a taste of the big leagues and prepared him for his future success. Although he might not have been a household name at the time, his potential was already evident. His ability to adapt and improve quickly was a key factor in his development, and it set the stage for his successful career with the Blue Jays.

Hernandez's Impact on the Blue Jays' Offense

Hernandez's impact on the Blue Jays' offense cannot be overstated. His 22 or more home runs in four seasons showed his power at the plate. His ability to drive in runs and create scoring opportunities was crucial for the team's success. Alongside his fellow teammates, he formed a formidable offensive core that was feared by opposing pitchers. His presence in the lineup gave the Blue Jays a boost, and his contributions were instrumental in their success over the years.