I cannot recall a statistically more exciting MLB season in recent memory than how the 2023 season has kicked off.

Could it be due in part to the newly implemented MLB rule changes? I would say yes, at least to an extent. Larger basepaths have skyrocketed baserunning chaos and stolen base attempts, if nothing else. There is also merit to the removal of the infield shift affecting many hitters’ numbers just about two months into the campaign.

Without getting into the deeper neckbeard analytics, here are some surface-level numbers for a handful of star names when they were facing the shift in 2022 and then compared to now. This is looking at hitters’ wOBA (weighted on-base average) for measuring purposes, along with the percentage of plate appearances they individually faced a shift last season.

(Statistics courtesy of MLB’s Google Cloud Statcast)

Understandably, the season is still young, and these numbers could all be subject to change. However, the trend for these players early on is clear; more batters are reaching base sans the antiquated fielder’s shift. It has allowed players like Cody Bellinger and Jarred Kelenic to thrive and has sent already-potent bats like Max Muncy and Matt Olson nuclear since the start of April.

While this has all occurred, pitchers are still holding their own across the board. There are already six starting pitchers with six or more wins, 21 with sub-3.00 ERAs and 12 with at least eight quality starts thrown to this point.

If the first 50 games of the season have illustrated anything, it’s that we are in for a real treat during the dog days of summer. We could be looking at numerous record-breaking events this season, given some of these early-season stats. And some surprise names could continue to tear up teams’ depth charts.

This week’s MLB depth chart review is a fun one. Let’s dive in.

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Fantasy Baseball Depth Chart Review

Paul DeJong (SS – STL)

After an unusually slow start, the St. Louis Cardinals are heating up in the NL Central, winning seven of their last 10 games to officially climb out of the basement. Of all people, few would have predicted this would be accomplished on the back of Paul Dejong, who has been on an absolute heater during this stretch.

Dejong has homered six times in May, four of which have come across his last six games played. The 29-year-old veteran has raised his season slash line to a strong .289/.366/.627 with eight total round-trippers. He looks to have resolidified himself as an everyday player going forward, even in a crowded St. Louis infield room, as long as his stick can remain hot.

Bobby Miller (SP – LAD)

By the time this article releases, rookie sensation Bobby Miller will have debuted for the Dodgers against Atlanta. Miller’s callup to the Bigs was more a necessity than a luxury, as Los Angeles just lost both Julio Urias and Dustin May to the injured list in recent days. Nevertheless, the Dodgers’ No. 2-ranked prospect is officially here.

Miller has struggled in AAA this season, posting a 5.65 ERA and 12:6 K:BB ratio across 14 1/3 innings. However, his stuff is not in question as he delivers a four-pitch arsenal that includes a 99 MPH moving fastball and a devastating breaking slider. He will face a tough task in the Braves in his debut. But if all goes well (and quite possibly even if it doesn’t), Miller could see multiple turns in the Major-League rotation. He could impact fantasy teams positively in 2023, just as he could end up the future ace of one of baseball’s most prestigious franchises.

Rowdy Tellez (1B – MIL)

Rowdy Tellez has quietly been one of the best fantasy baseball values around, and he deserves more credit than he tends to receive. Tellez is currently tied for fifth in the MLB in home runs (12) and top-25 in BB% to go along with his .255/.350/.547 slash line. In addition, he has one of the most mouthwatering projections by Fangraphs for the rest of the season, which have him ending the year with a near-40 longballs in some instances.

Currently boasting career highs in both OBP and SLG, Tellez is as good a candidate to buy now as anyone. American Family Field also continues to be a great place for hitters, and Tellez has clearly taken advantage through two months. The big man could prove to be a league-winner if everything falls into place appropriately.

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