Jake Bird, Colorado Rockies, relief pitcher: Bird made his MLB debut last summer and would go on to pitch in 38 games for the Rockies out of the bullpen. Bleier pitched for Israel in the 2023 WBC. Bleier was traded to Chaim Bloom’s Red Sox after two years in Miami. ![]() Richard Bleier, Boston Red Sox, relief pitcher: After not making it to the big leagues until he was 29, Bleier has grown into a reliable reliever across seven MLB seasons, with a 3.06 career ERA. ![]() His younger brother, C.J., is a catcher in the Astros system and replaced Garrett on Team Israel following an injury earlier this month. Garrett Stubbs, Philadelphia Phillies, catcher: Stubbs played in 46 games for the Phillies as the backup behind J.T. Morgan appeared in 50 games for Cleveland, posting a 3.38 ERA. Tellez, who had a Jewish mother and a father with Mexican heritage, considered playing for Israel in the WBC but opted to represent Mexico.Įli Morgan, Cleveland Guardians, relief pitcher: Last year was Morgan’s first season as a reliever, and it seemed to be the right move for the 26-year-old righty. In one game in May, Tellez hit two home runs on his way to a historic 8-RBI game for the Brewers. Rowdy Tellez, Milwaukee Brewers, first baseman: Tellez has the most power of any Jewish player, crushing 35 home runs in 2022. Kremer was very good for Baltimore in 2022, posting a 3.32 earned-run average (ERA) in 21 starts – highlighted by a complete game shutout against Bregman’s Astros in September. Bader’s father, who is Jewish, told the Forward that his son is considering formally converting to Judaism.ĭean Kremer, Baltimore Orioles, starting pitcher: Born in California to Israeli parents, Kremer was the first Israeli drafted into the MLB. He won a Gold Glove in 2021 and last fall became a breakout star for the Yankees in the playoffs. Louis, Bader has become known for his elite defense in the outfield. Harrison Bader, New York Yankees, outfielder: In parts of six seasons in the big leagues, spent almost entirely in St. Pederson played for Team Israel in the 2023 WBC and even helped recruit fellow Jewish big leaguers to the team. 274 batting average and his second career All-Star selection. Last year was his best since 2019, as he notched 23 home runs, a. Joc Pederson, San Francisco Giants, outfielder: Pederson is entering his second season playing for manager Gabe Kapler’s Giants. The Los Angeles native grew up idolizing fellow Jewish lefty ace Sandy Koufax. Fried was an All-Star for the first time last season, finished second for the National League Cy Young award and has won three Gold Gloves in a row for his defense. Max Fried, Atlanta Braves, starting pitcher: Fried is arguably the best Jewish player in baseball – and one of the best pitchers, period. Bregman is an active member of the Houston Jewish community. The two-time All-Star has become one of the best postseason hitters of his generation, setting all-time records for most home runs and RBIs among third basemen. Here is a complete guide to every Jewish player to watch in 2023.Īlex Bregman, Houston Astros, third baseman: Bregman returned to form in 2022, hitting 23 home runs with 93 runs batted in as the Astros won the World Series. There are plenty of storylines for Jewish fans to keep an eye on, including a number of Jewish teammate pairs – even a possible trio. The slate of Jewish players in the game this year features notables such as Houston Astros star Alex Bregman, Max Fried, on-the-rise big league talent like Harrison Bader and Dean Kremer, and an impressive wave of minor league prospects on the cusp of the majors. This season, the number could be even higher. Last year, 17 Jewish players appeared in a game – likely a record. The 2023 MLB season is upon us, and it has the potential to be a historic year for Jews in professional baseball.
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