The Major League Baseball playoffs are in full swing, with the Wild Card round happening as we speak. Whether you’re a die-hard who’s been waiting for this moment all season or a fair-weather fan who’s looking forward to some playoff baseball, there are sure to be some exciting moments to come over the next few weeks.
But no matter what team ends up victorious, there are plenty of pros who are playing for more than just the title of World Series Champion. These guys are playing for the Lord — both on and off the field.
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Ronald Acuña Jr. – Atlanta Braves
The outfielder has racked up plenty of on-field accolades since entering Major League Baseball in 2018, including Rookie of the Year. But 2023 might be the biggest ever for Mr. Acuña Jr. who is one of the odds-on favorites to win MVP this year should the Braves go all the way. But no matter what happens this postseason, Mr. Acuña Jr. is sure to put his faith first every step of the way.
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Jose Altuve – Houston Astros
Jose Altuve might be considered small, but his faith is mighty and his baseball skills are pretty phenomenal as well. With one MLB Championship already under his belt, the second baseman is having another standout season that already has his name in talks for MVP consideration.
Gunnar Henderson - Baltimore Orioles
The future is bright for Gunnar Henderson and not just because of his ability to swing a bat and field a ball. The 22-year-old, who recently joined the Orioles’ rookie 25-25 club, continues to approach each day with a faithful heart, knowing that God has his best interests in mind no matter what happens: “He knows what’s going to come. I’ll just put my faith in him and everything will be fine.”
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Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw has been in the league since 2008 and has made a name for himself as one of the best MLB pitchers of all time. And while he has had some setbacks this season due to injury, that hasn’t stopped him from making his mark on and off the field. He even helped relaunch Christian Faith and Family Day for the Dodgers this season.
Evan Carter – Texas Rangers
The Rangers haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 so maybe the late-season addition of rookie Evan Carter was just the “shot in the arm” the team needed. The 21-year-old certainly isn’t intimidated by the bright lights of the MLB and he’s not afraid to stand boldly for his Christian faith either.
J.T. Realmuto – Philadelphia Phillies
J.T. Realmuto is one of the best catchers in baseball, but the self-described “follower of Christ” continues to keep his faith at the center of his life. Still, after losing to the Houston Astros in the World Series last year, Mr. Realmuto and the rest of the Phillies are no doubt hoping for redemption this season.
Royce Lewis – Minnesota Twins
Royce Lewis is playing in his first-ever playoff series and he’s already made a huge splash. After hitting two home runs in his first two at bats in the Twins’ victory in game 1 over the Blue Jays, the third baseman has put everyone on notice—especially after he called it “a God thing” right after the game.
Royce is thriving. 😍#WeBelieveinTC pic.twitter.com/46mVsLguHW
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) October 3, 2023
Andrew Kittredge – Tampa Bay Rays
Baseball can be full of ups-and-downs for pitchers like Mr. Kittredge thanks to injuries. But the reliever, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery on his pitching arm just in time for the playoffs, once shared that he keeps Colossians 3:23 inscribed on his glove to remind himself who he’s really playing for, whether he’s rehabbing off the field or heating things up on the mound.
Bo Bichette – Toronto Blue Jays
Bo Bichette has always felt like he has some big shoes to fill, following in his baseball-playing father’s footsteps. But over the years, the shortstop has learned to keep his priorities straight and put God first. In fact, one of his favorite verses is Philippians 4:6, which reminds him not to worry about things that are out of his control and to instead give it all to God.
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Marissa Mayer is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her work has been featured in Christian Post, The Daily Signal, and Intellectual Takeout. Mayer has a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Arizona State University.
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