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Path to the Big Leagues: Part 1

03/17/2022 7:00 AM

Article By: Joe Koetters

      Before a player reaches the major leagues, they spend some time in the minor leagues. For some players that means being in the minors for 1-2 years, and for others that means spending more than 5 years before finally getting a chance to play under the bright lights. Many factors go into how long a player spends in the minors, but on average a player will be in the minors for 3 to 4 years before their debut. We are going to look at the players who made their MLB debut in 2021.

Kent Emanuel – 2011 Falmouth Commodores / 2021 Houston Astros

 

      Kent Emanuel comes in as one of two players who appeared in the Cape in 2011 and the MLB 10 years later. Emanuel appeared in 5 games in the Cape for the Falmouth Commodores and over 23.2 IP, he accumulated a 4.18 ERA and only 13 strikeouts. However, Emauel’s debut season provided a much better outcome. Kent appeared in 10 games out of the bullpen for the Astros and over 17.2 innings only allowed 5 earned runs. While 4 of those runs were home runs, he totaled 13 strikeouts (similar to the Cape) across less innings. Entering his age 30 season, Emanuel looks to be a contributor out of the Astros bullpen yet again.

Konner Wade – 2011 Wareham Gatemen / 2021 Baltimore Orioles

      In 2011, Konner Wade was lights out for the Wareham Gatemen out of the bullpen. He appeared in 17 games, threw 20.1 innings, struck out 23 batters and accumulated 12 saves. Wade would finish the year with a 1.32 ERA and even appeared in the 2011 Cape Cod All Star Game. Unfortunately, Wade was not able to sustain this success 10 years later in his debut season for the Orioles. Wade appeared in 7 games out of the bullpen but allowed 16 earned runs over 12.1 innings. The Orioles however are a young rebuilding team and it looks as if Konner Wade could be a part of that rebuild moving forward.

Taylor Gushue – 2013 Yarmouth-Dennis / 2021 Chicago Cubs

      Taylor Gushue was as solid of a catcher as there was in 2013 for Yarmouth-Dennis appearing in 27 games over the 2013 summer. Gushue racked up 17 hits over those 27 games, including 8 extra-base hits. Gushue’s debut in 2021 provided limited innings as he only appeared in 2 games and only played 6.1 innings (1 at catcher and 5.1 at first base). However, this shows that Gushue provides value in his ability to play multiple positions and this will only benefit him in the future. The Cubs look to be moving in a different direction this year compared to their World Series Championship year and it looks as if Gushue would be a part of this plan moving forward.