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We are eight days into the 2023 season. That is, without question, far too early to make any predictions based on what we’ve seen.

But while it’s too early for predictions, it’s the perfect time for optimism. Because while no qualified hitter across baseball will be sporting a .500 batting average when all is said and done, red-hot starts can do a lot to change the narrative around a player or team.

With that, here are 10 players who have gotten off to a hot start in 2023, and — not to put too fine a point on it — why you should care.

Ronald Acuña Jr. took the term “stolen base” literally when his steal dislodged second base and he had some issues trying to get it back in the ground.

Cleveland native and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce made quite the impression before the Guardians’ home opener by spiking his first pitch.

Andrew McCutchen couldn’t have imagined his return to PNC Park as a Pirate any better — a stirring ovation, two singles and the feeling of home.

There was no shortage of outfielder acrobatics on Friday, with Brandon Marsh topping things off with a twist.

Before they were burnin’ up arenas as a Grammy-winning pop rock band, the Jonas Brothers used to be kids from New Jersey, rooting for the Yankees. They didn’t hesitate this week to tell Aaron Judge, “We’re your biggest fan.” They’re only human, after all.

Cavaliers center Robin Lopez took a very important pup out to the ballgame.

Few executives in baseball — or anybody in the game, for that matter — have the same type of background as Angels GM Perry Minasian, whose father worked as a clubhouse manager for more than three decades.

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