I wanted to thank you for a 2023 MLB season that was full of excitement, athleticism, and fast-paced action on Thanksgiving. It was a momentous year, as the Texas Rangers won their first World Series championship to cap off the season. Please feel free to add your own justifications in the comments area. Here are 23 reasons why MLB fans should be grateful. I hope Thanksgiving is wonderful for you and your family!

Pitch clocks are to be commended for cutting game times in half during the regular season and half an hour during the postseason. Remarkably, the drama and intensity of the sport were not lessened by this rule adjustment.

Big bases, limiting pitchers’ disengagements with runners on base, and limiting the infield shift are just a few of the revolutionary rule changes that leveled the playing field and increased the number of exhilarating base runs and stolen bases. These adjustments also helped left-handed pull hitters.

While giving wild-card clubs an equal opportunity to go to the World Series, the expanded playoff structure also granted division winners a first-round bye. Three of the four World Series teams in the previous two postseasons had wild cards. The World Series this year featured an all-wild-card contest between the Rangers and Diamondbacks.

It’s possible that Shohei Ohtani’s season was among the finest in Major League Baseball history. He demonstrated his abilities as a pitcher and hitter by winning his second consecutive unanimous MVP Award. Fans are eager to see where he signs in the upcoming offseason because of his achievements, which may never be surpassed.

In a single season, Ronald Acuña Jr. became the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases. With his elegant play, he won his first MVP Award and mesmerized the crowd.

Gerrit Cole routinely placed among the top five vote-getters and went on to win his first Cy Young Award. He lived up to his large contract as the Yankees’ ace, proving his worth.

We must give the A’s credit for the memories they brought to the game, even though the city of Oakland suffered a terrible blow when they moved to Las Vegas. Oakland is a significant city in baseball history since it has produced many superstars.

It was noteworthy when Bruce Bochy triumphantly returned to the dugout as manager following a three-year absence. He won his fourth championship and was instrumental in helping the Rangers win their first World Series.

After a remarkable 26-year career as a big-league manager, Dusty Baker retired at age 74. He won a World Series and several division titles, making a lasting impression on the game and a surefire candidate for the Hall of Fame.

With 20 more victories than the previous season and a league-high 190 bases stolen, the Cincinnati Reds showed signs of recovery. Their impressive rookie class promised an exciting future and restored the team’s significance.

The late Padres owner, Peter Seidler, ought to be honored for his influence and magnanimity. He set an example for others by demonstrating that a small-market team such as the Padres could contend for elite free agents. Seidler will be remembered for his accomplishments both within and outside of the game.

The Tampa Bay Rays are making headway with their plans to build a new stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. With the A moving and the Rays growing, there is a chance that MLB may eventually grow to 32 teams, with Nashville being a prospective additional franchise.

The devastating Braves demonstrated their potent offensive capabilities by becoming the first club in MLB history to post a slugging percentage above 500.

With a fantastic season, Blake Snell won his second Cy Young Award. He made history by being the first pitcher to lead the league in walks and ERA in the same season. Snell will probably sign a big free agency contract as a result of his achievements.

It is right to give credit to the teams that prevailed in pivotal games and demonstrated that money cannot buy a World Series championship. The importance of team camaraderie and performance was highlighted by the fact that the top three payroll teams—the Yankees, Mets, and Padres—all missed the postseason.

Craig Counsell became the highest-paid manager in Major League Baseball with the Cubs after an unexpected five-year, $40 million contract. This action establishes a standard and helps other managers by emphasizing the requirement for higher pay.

As a testament to his remarkable career, Justin Verlander became one of the select few pitchers to record a victory over each of the 30 Major League teams.

With his incredible talent, Julio Rodríguez became the only player in major league history to hit at least 25 home runs and steal at least 25 bases in his first two years of play.

Both Corbin Carroll and Gunnar Henderson are expected to have successful careers in sports, as they were unanimously awarded Rookie of the Year in their respective leagues.

Freddie Freeman demonstrated his flexibility by being the first baseman in history to hit 50 doubles and steal 20 bases in a single season.

After eighteen seasons, all with the St. Louis Cardinals, Adam Wainwright announced his retirement. He became one of just three Cardinals pitchers to reach the 200-win mark in their careers when he celebrated this accomplishment.

After 21 years, Miguel Cabrera declared his retirement, capping off a Hall of Fame career. With remarkable numbers, such as 1,881 RBIs and 511 home runs, Cabrera will go down as one of the all-time greats.

Finally, we honor baseball fans, who are regarded as the greatest in the world. Players and other fans alike enjoy the amazing atmosphere that is created by their undying support and passion for the game.