Jung

Believe it or not, I’m dedicating my space in this newsletter this week to talk about something other than hockey. I know… shocking, right?

Why, you ask?

Well, because I love baseball nearly as much as the aforementioned sport and it’s nearly October — need I say more?

And we all know every October, the MLB postseason produces unexpected heroes.

While superstars often carry their clubs, it’s the emerging players who can tip a series and become household names overnight. This year, to me, the one player with all the makings of a breakout postseason star is Josh Jung, the Texas Rangers’ young third baseman.

Relax, I know the Rangers are not “officially” even in the playoffs at this point, but I believe they’ll scratch and claw their way in, so let’s work under that assumption.

Now back to the topic at hand.

Jung, 26, has quietly established himself as one of the most promising corner infielders in the Bigs.

The eighth pick in the 2019 draft, Jung was a stud at Texas Tech, and came into the MLB with lofty expectations. Injuries and the pandemic slowed his development, though, but despite that, he’s already grown into a vital piece of the Texas lineup.

What sets Jung apart is his approach.

While many young hitters struggle with elite pitching, Jung has shown a knack for staying balanced at the plate, using all fields, and punishing mistakes. His quick hands and compact swing give him the ability to turn around high velocity offerings, while his patience forces pitchers to come into the zone.

That skillset is invaluable in October, when rotations shorten and opponents lean heavily on their best arms.

At third base, he’s got it all. Quick reactions and a strong, accurate arm make him a plus defensive player.

In the postseason, where every run saved is as important as every run scored, his steady glove could prove pivotal in tight contests.

Beyond the numbers, Jung has the intangibles.

Teammates and coaches rave about his calm demeanor and competitive fire.

Playoff environments can overwhelm young players, but Jung has the confidence and poise to thrive in the spotlight.

Will this make him a hobby star?

Probably not long term, but for a few weeks or so, his market could get a bump then making his cards worth buying now while they’re still pretty low.

Currently, his 2023 Topps Chrome rookie can be had for less than $20 in a PSA 10 condition.

This October, don’t be surprised if Josh Jung turns into one of baseball’s next big playoff stars.