The title says it all. IF Chas McCormick had not gotten hurt and was not relegated to a time share starting role in the outfield, he COULD be in a position to be the Astros team offensive MVP at this point.
Right now, you are thinking, Larry, you have lost it. Well, let me show you some numbers. Here are the 2023 Astros batting stats as of today.
McCormick is currently second behind Alvarez in wRC+ and third in OPS.
The real issue for Chas is that he was out almost a month and returned and started playing regularly on May 14th. Since May 14th, this is how these Astros have done since and how many plate appearances each player has gotten.
Overall, since Chas's return the team is hitting 112 wRC+ which is better than the full season of 99 wRC+ and is FOURTH in the league for this 36-game stretch. Many players have done better than before. Only one is the offensive albatross for this period is Maldonado- of course.
Here is how Dusty has allocated PT between his three primary CF/LFs:
Meyers has been struggling late in this stretch. He did well when he played every day.
What if McCormick would have never missed time and had played as much as the other starters? Let's project the season stats for the team assuming Alvarez's injury limits him to 450 PA, and Chas magically would have gotten to 600 PA (yes, I KNOW he won't.)
Here is how the 2023 Astros would project.
Do you notice who is on top? Chas McCormick! The Astros unsung hero who unfortunately was out for a while and who his manager limits for personal reasons.
Dusty really should be held accountable for how he has managed McCormick but he won't be.
I will address how incredible Chas has been defensively later today or tomorrow.
Support the Site
Folks, I have never asked for money but SEVERAL of you said I should be paid for what I do.'
I am going to be honest with you. There are some articles I do that take a LOT of time like this one. I also PAY to make this site available to you and my renewal charges are due.
Because it takes time and it does cost money, I really would appreciate your support of the work. Here is your opportunity to do that at a nominal cost. This support will help me continue to provide you what I do- objective analysis of your teams.
This is completely VOLUNTARY. If you don't think my work is worthy of financial support, I will accept your non-action feedback humbly.
The details are below and available at Patreon.com.