As you know, perfection does not exist. That’s why when MLB The Show releases their player ratings, none of them have a 100.
But still: there are 99s.
What we have just learned is that five of them are entitled to a score of 99 for the 2023 version, which will be released in a few weeks.
We are talking here about Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt and Jacob deGrom.
I can’t say I’m surprised by the top three. These are probably the only three names that can earn such a rating.
Jacob de Grom? In my eyes, he is the best pitcher on the circuit and his only problem is health. But healthy, I can understand the 99.
I was a bit surprised by Paul Goldschmidt. I don’t know if there is a recency bias that applies towards whoever won, in the shadow of Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols, the MVP in 2022.
Here are the other good players and their ratings.
- 98: Justin Verlander
- 96: Mookie Betts, Max Scherzer, Nolan Arenado
- 95: Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Corbin Burnes
This means that 12 players have at least a rating of 95. Has Sandy Alcantara been forgotten? Has José Ramirez been forgotten? Maybe yes.
Obviously, you have to take some and leave some with the notes. We must not forget that it is a game and I was told that sometimes it is better to raise the odds from the start to make certain prizes harder to obtain in the game.
It is to be considered.
But OK. Remember, it’s worth what it’s worth and a rating may change along the way. It will be up to the guys to play accordingly.
- Manny Machado loves his life in San Diego.
- Gold medal or nothing.
