The World Series may seem like a distant memory, but I decided it's not too late to crown my postseason MLBoyfriend. Freddie Freeman was the obvious choice, but I decided to go with someone who caught my eye both on and off the field: Kiké Hernández. Of course, this wasn't the first time Kiké caught my eye--he has won the MLBoyfriend title before--but this postseason reminded of just how much fun he brings to all aspects of the game.
This year, Hernández continued to do well at the plate with 15 hits--including a triple and 2 home runs--11 runs, and 6 RBI. He had a respectable .294 batting average in October.
Here's just a few things that came up in my Instagram feed.
Kiké showing up for a game dressed in Barbicore:
Congratulations to the 2024 MLBoyfriends who have made it to the postseason!
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Jackson Merrill, San Diego Padres
Ranger Suárez, Philadelphia Phillies
To be honest, I didn't pay that much attention to baseball last week. I couldn't stand to watch the epic collapse of my Minnesota Twins. So, when it came time to pick a MLBoyfriend, I was at a bit of a loss. I looked back over my picks for the season, and realized there was one glaring omission.
Aaron Judge has been on fire this season. He has, of course, been featured on MLBoyfriend many times before. However, he hasn't been a 2024 pick. In fact, it's been two years since he was my MLBoyfriend. It's time to right that wrong.
Oh, Aaron Judge also happens to be really cute. (It may seem strange to call a 6'7', 285 lbs adult man "cute"--but he is!)
Congratulations, Aaron Judge! You are my MLBoyfriend of the week.
Shohei Ohtani clinched this week's MLBoyfriend award 4 days ago. On September 19, he became the first player in MLB history to have 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. To put that in a little perspective, only 6 players are in the "40-40 Club"--with 40 homers and steals in one season.
Ohtani didn't just set that record in that game, he smashed it.
Yes, Ohtani went 6 for 6 at the plate with 3 home runs, 5 extra base hits, 10 RBI, and 2 stolen bases. Here's his Instagram post celebrating the night--be sure to scroll through to see all the adorableness.
I know baseball commentators are very prone to hyperbole; however, that is literally the best game by a hitter in baseball history.
And that was just Thursday. Ohtani kept going over the weekend. He ended the week with a .500 batting average and 1.641 OPS. He had 12 runs, 6 home runs, 4 doubles, 19 RBI, and 7 stolen bases. That's bonkers.
By the way, there are still 6 games left this season. Ohtani currently has 53 home runs and 55 stolen bases. While he's unlikely to establish the 60-60 Club this year, it is certainly possible that he will.
Joey Cantillo pitched one great and one very good game last week.
On Monday, September 9th, Castillo was perfect for 6.2 innings. He ended the game having pitched 7 full innings with 2 hits, 1 earned run, zero walks, and a career-high 10 strike outs.
Castillo had another impressive start on Saturday, September 14. He pitched 5.0 innings giving up only 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6 with no earned runs scored against. He ends the week with a 0.75 ERA, 0.50 WHIP and 2 wins. Not too shabby for a rookie.
It's hard to find pictures or pitchers on the field where their bodies and/or faces aren't contorted. So here's non-game pics that prove Joey Cantillo has other qualifications to win the MLBoyfriend title beyond his pitching.
Congratulations, Joey Cantillo! You are my MLBoyfriend of the week.
