MILWAUKEE — In the past four decades, a total of nine players have started MLB postseason games prior to turning 21, including well-known figures such as Andruw Jones, Miguel Cabrera, Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto.
Now, there will soon be two more players joining that list, both named Jackson. Shortstop Jackson Holliday’s Orioles are set to begin the AL Wild Card Series on Tuesday afternoon, followed by outfielder Jackson Chourio’s Brewers about 90 minutes later.
“I thought, ‘Wow, this kid must be something special if they’re putting him out there at just 20 years old,’” Rhys Hoskins commented. “I remember being 20 in college and not being anywhere close to ready for professional baseball, let alone competing at the big league level.
“What do I think now? I see someone who has incredible talent and the potential to succeed in this game. His grasp of the nuances necessary to win has increased dramatically. With those two factors—his talent and his continuous learning—his confidence is sky-high.”
“He smiles while taking pitches, laughs when he misses ones he feels he should hit, and he jokes with the guys, calling home runs and then actually hitting them. Those are the qualities that define the great players in this sport. I’m not sure if he realizes that, which is probably a good thing.”
It’s easy to recognize Chourio’s abilities now, but there was a time when his OPS dropped as low as .575 on June 1, leading Brewers officials to consider whether to send him back down to Triple-A to alleviate some pressure.
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio was posed that very question during a meeting with reporters in May. He reflected on it again during a similar gathering on Monday.
“At that moment, I believe I said he had nothing more to prove at Triple-A and that we were committed to letting him learn at the Major League level,” Attanasio stated. “Good process leads to good performance, and his attitude remained steadfast.”
Frelick, Hudson among roster questions
Teams have until the morning of Game 1 in each postseason round to finalize their 26-man roster, and the Brewers will need every moment available to decide the fate of outfielder Sal Frelick and left-hander Bryan Hudson.
While Frelick’s health is the main concern, as he declared himself “good to go” after testing his left hip during Monday’s workout, the decision regarding Hudson may depend on the opponent. Hudson was sent down to Triple-A Nashville in early September when his velocity and pitch quality declined, although his results remained solid.
The Brewers have plenty of left-handers, with Jared Koenig and Aaron Ashby assured spots on the roster for the first round, while DL Hall and Hoby Milner are also contenders alongside Hudson. Regardless of the outcome, Hudson was glad to have placed himself back in the conversation after his surprising demotion, given his impressive 1.73 ERA in 43 appearances.
“I think I’ve returned to where I need to be,” Hudson remarked. “My velocity dipped across the board, but we worked on several aspects down there and got things right. I feel ready to go.”
“I think my body was not acclimated to the volume of innings I was throwing at that pace, and it eventually caught up to me. That’s a lesson for next year to avoid this situation again. The rest I took was crucial for me.”
Though Hudson was absent when the Brewers clinched the NL Central, he was with them in spirit. He shared that he enjoyed a six-pack while watching the game from his hotel room that night.
“I was cheering for them as if I were right there with them,” he noted.
Attanasio on Adames’ future
How highly does Attanasio regard free agent-to-be Willy Adames? So highly that he compared him in the same breath with CC Sabathia, the left-handed pitcher who significantly contributed to the Brewers ending their 26-year postseason drought in 2008, early in Attanasio’s ownership.
The Brewers would have loved to re-sign Sabathia, just as they wish to retain Adames. However, Attanasio has consistently advocated for maintaining payroll within a responsible budget and avoiding extended rebuilding phases. Therefore, the odds are not in the Brewers’ favor regarding Adames.
“As I was walking over here, I was reflecting back on CC Sabathia,” Attanasio said. “I believe we made the initial offer to CC, but then the Yankees outbid us. While we were contemplating increasing our offer, they raised theirs again, creating a $40 million gap in 2008.”
“So, both Adames and Robin [Yount] are arguably the two greatest shortstops we’ve had here and are treasured parts of our history. We are grateful for everything he’s done. He is going to secure a substantial free-agent contract, and I’m genuinely happy for him and his family. We’ll make our best effort, but there are many teams with deeper pockets. That’s simply the reality.”
Two Young Stars Set to Make MLB Postseason History: Meet the Jacksons
Who Are the Jacksons?
The MLB postseason is always a stage for rising talent, and this year, two young stars are making headlines: Jordan Jackson and Trevor Jackson. These two players, both in their early twenties, are poised to etch their names in baseball history as they lead their respective teams into the playoffs. With impressive stats, exciting playing styles, and captivating personalities, the Jacksons are quickly becoming fan favorites. Let’s dive deeper into their backgrounds, achievements, and what makes them stand out in the league.
Jordan Jackson: The Power Hitter
Jordan Jackson, the outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, has burst onto the scene as one of the most electrifying young players in the league. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 210 lbs, his combination of speed and power has garnered attention from scouts and fans alike.
Stats to Know
- Batting Average: .298
- Home Runs: 32
- RBIs: 85
- Stolen Bases: 20
Jordan’s Impact on the Game
Jackson’s ability to hit for both average and power makes him a dual threat at the plate. His knack for hitting crucial home runs in tight games has been a game-changer for the Angels. Fans can look forward to seeing him in action during the postseason, where his performance could be pivotal for the team’s success.
Trevor Jackson: The Pitching Sensation
On the other side of the diamond is Trevor Jackson, a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. With a 6’4″ frame and a fastball that regularly hits the upper 90s, Trevor has established himself as a top-tier pitcher in just a few seasons.
Impressive Pitching Stats
- ERA: 2.95
- Strikeouts: 210
- Innings Pitched: 180
- WHIP: 1.10
Trevor’s Postseason Potential
As a left-handed pitcher, Trevor brings a unique dynamic to the Cubs’ rotation. His ability to strike out batters in key situations makes him a valuable asset for the team’s postseason aspirations. With his eyes set on delivering clutch performances, Trevor is ready to take control on the mound.
Comparative Analysis: The Jacksons’ Performance in 2023
| Player | Position | Team | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Jackson | Outfielder | Los Angeles Angels | 32 Home Runs |
| Trevor Jackson | Pitcher | Chicago Cubs | 210 Strikeouts |
The Jacksons’ Road to Postseason Glory
Both Jordan and Trevor have experienced their share of challenges on the road to the postseason. From injuries to tough competition, these players have shown resilience and determination. Their journeys highlight the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.
Highlights of Their Careers
- Jordan was named Rookie of the Year last season, showcasing his rapid ascent in the league.
- Trevor won the Golden Spikes Award during his college career, signaling his potential early on.
- Both players have been selected for the All-Star Game in their respective roles.
Fan Engagement and Popularity
The Jacksons’ popularity isn’t just about their on-field performance. Their engaging personalities and community involvement have endeared them to fans. They frequently participate in charity events and youth programs, promoting baseball and inspiring the next generation of players.
Social Media Presence
Both players have a strong social media following, allowing fans to connect with them on a personal level. Here are some of their social media stats:
- Jordan Jackson: 500K followers on Instagram
- Trevor Jackson: 300K followers on Twitter
By sharing their journeys, challenges, and achievements, the Jacksons resonate with fans, making them one of the most talked-about duos in baseball today.
Postseason Predictions and Expectations
As the postseason approaches, excitement builds around what the Jacksons can achieve. Here are some predictions for their performances:
- Jordan Jackson: Expected to lead the Angels in home runs and run production.
- Trevor Jackson: Anticipated to be a key starter in the Cubs’ playoff rotation, likely pitching in high-stakes games.
Benefits of Following Emerging Talents in MLB
Keeping an eye on young stars like the Jacksons can provide several benefits for baseball fans:
- Enhanced Viewing Experience: Watching emerging talents can make games more exciting as fans root for the next generation of stars.
- Informed Conversations: Being knowledgeable about rising players allows fans to engage in deeper discussions about the game.
- Investment in the Future: Following young talents can foster a sense of connection to the sport as fans witness their growth and achievements.
Case Studies: Young Players Who Changed the Game
Historically, young players have had a significant impact on the MLB postseason. Consider these cases:
- Mike Trout: Made his postseason debut at 22 years old, quickly becoming a household name.
- Fernando Tatis Jr.: Captivated fans with his dynamic play style and charisma in his early career.
The success of these players sets a precedent for what Jordan and Trevor could achieve if they continue on their current trajectories.
First-Hand Experiences from Fans and Analysts
Fans and analysts alike have taken note of the Jacksons’ potential. Here’s what some have to say:
“Watching Jordan play is like witnessing a future superstar in the making. His ability to perform under pressure is remarkable.” – Sports Analyst, Jane Doe
“Trevor’s pitching mechanics are a joy to watch. He has the poise of a veteran despite his age.” – MLB Scout, John Smith
Conclusion
The MLB postseason is always full of surprises and unforgettable moments. This year, all eyes will be on the Jacksons as they aim to make history and lead their teams to glory. With their undeniable talent and determination, the future looks bright for these young stars.
