Mexicans who will compete in the MLB Playoffs 2022
The participants in this year's postseason of Major League Baseball have been determined, and, as is customary, Mexican players will play a prominent role in the action that will take place in the fall.
For the Major League Baseball playoffs, which will begin on Friday, September 7, there are seven active Mexican baseball players on the rosters of the organizations that are still alive. This figure is an increase over last year's five but falls short of the 2020 campaign when the national record was broken and 10 Mexican players were part of the roster. These are the Mexican-born players chasing glory.
Julio Urías - Los Angeles Dodgers
The Sinaloa native Julio Urías led the National League in ERA with a 2.16 ERA in 31 starts. He is the first Mexican to do so and these numbers, combined with his record of 17 wins and seven losses, make him a serious candidate for the Cy Young Award. The Dodgers are already in the Divisional Series and will face the winner of the match between the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets.
Alejandro Kirk - Toronto Blue Jays
The catcher from Tijuana is one of the most consistent hitters in the Majors. This year, he was the only Mexican in the All-Star Game and his 23 years of age suggests that he still has room for growth. The Blue Jays will play the Mariners in the American Wild Card Series.
Giovanny Gallegos - St. Louis Cardinals
Recently, the reliever from Sonora signed a contract extension with the Missouri franchise. This was agreed upon for two years with an option for a third, but before that, he will try to help his teammates and legends, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, have a worthy farewell to MLB. The Philadelphia Phillies will be his first hurdle.
José Urquidy - Houston Astros
The Mazatleco pitcher had the best season of his career. In 28 starts, he compiled a 13-8 record and an ERA of 3.88. Despite this, the manager of his ninth team, Dusty Baker, suggested that he will use Urquidy as a reliever in the Playoffs. The Astros await the winner of the series between Seattle and Toronto.
Isaac Paredes and Jonathan Aranda - Tampa Bay Rays
Aranda made his major league debut this year and did it in the best possible way: with a hit in his first at-bat. If the Rays already talked about a pearl, now the expectation around him has skyrocketed. He will rely on the experience of his compatriot, Isaac Paredes, who arrived in Florida this year and has established himself as the second-best home run hitter on the team. The Rays will battle the Guardians for the right to face the Yankees, their divisional rival.
Andres Munoz - Seattle Mariners
The Los Mochis native is part of a historic Mariners squad. True, they have yet to win and start as 'victims' against the Blue Jays. However, this group of players broke the organization's 21-year streak without qualifying for the postseason. With Muñoz as an essential part of the bullpen, they will be looking for the feat.
