As the MLB regular season nears its conclusion, analyst John Smoltz weighs in on key price races and players, such as Shohei Ohtani reaching the 50/50 milestone and Ronald Acuña's historic 40/70 season. He discusses the differences between these achievements and praises Acuña's versatility. Smoltz also shares insight into rookie races and where the White Sox stand in MLB history with possible record losses, and argues for a nuanced view of rebuilding strategies. He singles out the Philadelphia Phillies' pitching rotation as the most impressive heading into the playoffs, while also confirming that he prefers Tarik Skubal over Chris Sale in a hypothetical Game 7 matchup.

Through the numbers

• Shohei Ohtani: 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
• Ronald Acuña: Hit 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in 2023.

state of affairs

• The White Sox are on pace for their most losses in the modern MLB era.
• The Philadelphia Phillies' rotation features four dynamic starters who are critical to playoff success.

What's next?

Expect a tight end in the NL Rookie of the Year race between Jackson Merrill and Paul Skenes, with Smoltz's all-around game suggesting Merrill has the advantage. Additionally, pay attention to how playoff teams handle injuries that impact their pitching rotations, particularly the Orioles and Astros.

Conclusion

Smoltz's analysis highlights the importance of context in evaluating player performances; A focus on contributions that help teams win is paramount. With the changing landscape leading up to the playoffs, teams must find ways to capitalize on their strengths while managing health concerns.