Pedro Rocha
2038 Stat Line: 31 GS, 17-6, 195.2 IP, 2.85 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 3.57 FIP, 182 K, 49 BB, 4.9 WAR
Rocha, like many on the Aztec staff, had a bounce back year after a poor 2037. He set career marks in ERA, ERA+, strikeouts, quality starts, QS%, FIP and WAR, among others, while inserting his name into the Nebraska discussion. He headlined what was a strong season from the majority of the Aztec staff and the team will be relying on him to segue a strong 2038 into a string of good seasons going forward.
2038 Relief Pitcher of the Year:
Gerard Wagner
2038 Stat Line (as reliever): 54 G, 6-5, 3 SV, 93.2 IP, 3.75 ERA, 1.3 WHIP, 3.09 FIP, 90 K, 10 BB, 2.0 WAR
2038 Stat Line (as starter): 6 GS, 2-3, 30.1 IP, 6.53 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 5.78 FIP, 21 K, 17 BB, 0.0 WAR
Wagner had a very good 2038 out of the pen, a bit of a rough one when pressed into starter duty as injury coverage. His lack of a strong 3rd pitch will always hinder him there, but the team believes he is just beginning to scratch the surface of the value he can bring to a pitching staff. He's a bit of a Swiss Army knife, probably best served throwing several innings in relief every few days but has the stamina to eat some innings in a rotation spot and also the ability to pitch in the 8th or 9th inning if needed. The Frenchman will likely spend 2039 the same way he spent 2038, with his name often the first called out of the pen but being used to cover holes wherever they emerge during the campaign.
2038 Batter of the Year:
Hsin Mei
2038 Stat Line: 135 G, .291/.368/.577, 34 3B, 37 HR, 110 RBI, 5.5 WAR
Mei led the Aztec offense in multiple categories as well as overall WAR. He's been one of the top catchers in the BBA for several seasons and 2038 game no one any reason to doubt that he very much still is. One area of concern for Mexico City, however, is the disappearing act he pulled in the playoffs. The team is relying on Mei to anchor their lineup for the forseeable future and he seems prepared to oblige so the postseason blip will, hopefully, be just that.
