World Series Preview: X-Factors for the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks

It has all come down to this. The culmination of an exciting 162 game MLB regular season and American League and National League postseason is upon us, as the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks will vie for a championship in the 2023 World Series. We’ll keep an eye on a few specific people on the diamond and in the dugout during the most important games of the year.

Texas is the third ballclub that Bochy has guided to the World Series, which is an awfully impressive accomplishment. This high-leverage experience might help him navigate the stage more adroitly than his counterpart, and may also give him an edge with regards to identifying players who won’t shrink when it matters most.

Garcia had an eventful and record setting American League Championship Series against the Houston Houston. He was rankled in Game 5 after being hit by a pitch, but let his bat do the talking afterwards. Garcia ended up driving in the most runs ever in an MLB playoff series, and the Rangers hope his hot hitting carries over into the World Series.

It’s going to be fascinating to see how Texas handles Scherzer in the World Series. He’s one of the best pitchers in MLB history, but has gutted through an injury for the better part of a month. He didn’t look to be in the best form in Game 3 or Game 7 of the ALCS, which makes him a shaky option heading into the Fall Classic.

Even though Garcia has been nothing short of sensational during the postseason, Seager is probably the Rangers’ most important player. He hits higher in the lineup, and is responsible for keeping the chain moving to set guys like Garcia up. Seager also might be called on to turn crucial double plays in important spots during the World Series up the middle.

Arizona’s rookie has literally done it all in his first year in the majors. He’s just as much of a threat to steal bases as he is to drive a pitch out of the ballpark, which makes Carroll one of the best players in the game already. It was interesting to see whether the playoffs would be too big for Carroll, but he’s thrived in the October spotlight.

Other teams have higher cache players finishing games for them, but Sewald has been tremendously effective for Arizona this season. He had been exposed to closing during his time with the Seattle Mariners, but it didn’t seem like he would be the leading candidate to shut the door for a team playing in the World Series. He’s been a nice revelation for the D’Backs.

Mantiply has perhaps been a sensational option for manager Torey Lovullo. He’s used the electric reliever in high leverage situations, and as an opener as well. It’s going to be fun to see whether Lovullo elects to deploy a “bullpen game” at some point in the World Series, and whether Mantiply kicks things off for Arizona again.

Longoria has had a stellar career in MLB, and this might be the final games we see the 38 year-old play in professional baseball. While his veteran presence on a young Diamondbacks team has been valuable, his production at the plate has been lackluster. Lovullo may have a decision on his hands if Longoria doesn’t start hitting soon.