The 2022 MLB World Series will start on Friday night in Houston.
The Philadelphia Phillies will find out what they are made of when they face the Houston Astros in a best-of-seven matchup.
Both teams are loaded with star power, with established contributors all around: Houston has Yordan Alvarez, Justin Verlander, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez, and others; while the Phillies boast 2021 NL MVP Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola, just to mention a few.
At the shortstop position, however, both teams have rookies.
“Tonight is the first time in #WorldSeries HISTORY that a rookie will start at shortstop for both teams,” MLB Network tweeted.
Tonight is the first time in #WorldSeries HISTORY that a rookie will start at shortstop for both teams. pic.twitter.com/DjHarEl7XF
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 28, 2022
Jeremy Pena of the Astros was actually in contention for the AL Rookie of the Year award at one point, but a second-half slump ruined his chances.
Pena And Stott Represent MLB’s Talented Youth
Overall, he ended up having a good season, with a .253/.289/.426 with 22 home runs, 11 stolen bases and some excellent defense at shortstop.
He is also one of the hottest Astros hitters in the playoffs.
On the Phillies side, Bryson Stott offers a more discrete bat, with a .234/.295/.358 line in the regular season.
However, he had some pop and speed, too, evidenced by his 10 home runs and 12 thefts.
He is not a brilliant defender like Pena, but he gets the job done and is much better than some of the Phillies alternatives this season.
Both were important in their team’s respective playoff runs, and both are expected to contribute to help their squads win.
For two teams with so much talented veterans, having Pena and Stott is a reminder that there is always space for youth in the league.
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