2021 MLB Season: Star Wars Edition

2021 MLB Season: The Emperor – Rob Manfred

In the Star Wars universe, The Emperor, Palpatine, Darth Sidious, is a power-hungry monster dedicated to changing the world to fit his views. Sound familiar? Since becoming commissioner, Rob Manfred has alienated fans and players by frequently tweaking the rules of the game. From seven-inning doubleheaders to starting extra innings with a runner on second, Manfred is shaping the game in his image and has frequently found himself to be the number one enemy in the sport.

Oh yeah, and like The Emperor he can shoot lightning.

Luke Skywalker – Fernando Tatis Jr.

As the potential front runner to block Manfred and his evil plan of destroying the game of baseball is Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis represents the new wave of players rising to challenge the status quo of the sport in an attempt to make it more fun. From bat flips to loud celebrations, Tatis can be a bit reckless at times, but so was a young Luke Skywalker. Remember, Luke tried to battle Darth Vader almost immediately and challenged both Obi-Wan and Yoda before rising to the challenge.

Some potential alternatives to Tatis Jr. include fellow young rockstars, Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Darth Vader – Gerrit Cole

Darth Vader is perhaps the most fearsome character in the Star Wars world. Vader is incredibly powerful but also incredibly wise. He has the ability to turn around any situation and cannot be missed. Naturally, as the leader of the Evil Empire, Darth Vader has to be a member of the New York Yankees. And who better than their $324 million Ace? Anytime Cole steps on the mound, opponents are terrified as Cole pairs a very fast fastball with an angry demeanor.

Han Solo – Christian Yelich

In Star Wars, Han Solo is simply one of the coolest characters in the movies. However, he is also a pretty skilled pilot with a killer shot. Meanwhile, Yelich is simply a really cool baseball player. He brings a certain swagger with him that makes him a fan favorite with the skills to make him an MVP candidate. Like Solo, Yelich has been a bit frozen recently but once he heats up it"s a warning shot to the rest of baseball. A potential alternative was Mookie Betts.

Chewbacca – Charlie Blackmon

Chewie was a critical player in Star Wars and always had a moment with coming through in the clutch and is one of the most popular characters in the Star Wars world. Insert Charlie Blackmon. While times have been tough for the Rockies outfielder, it wasn"t long ago that fans would go nuts every time he stepped up to the plate. Plus, with his long hair and beard, he is one of the hairiest players in the sport.

Boba Fett – Trevor Bauer

One of the coldest killers in the Star Wars universe is the bounty hunter Boba Fett. Fett is seen as being a ruthless professional that is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Meanwhile, Trevor Bauer is an assassin on the mound. Bauer is a true student of the game; always working to perfect his craft to add a new weapon to his arsenal. Like Fett, those who like him love him, and those who dislike him despise him.

Yoda – Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera

In the original Star Wars films, Yoda serves as a mentor to the younger Skywalker and is responsible for teaching him how to be a Jedi. However, it wasn"t long ago that Yoda was a powerful force that could yield more power than any of his peers. Meanwhile, the game has sadly passed both Pujols and Miggy. However, it wasn"t long ago that they were the perennial MVP candidates and the main fighters trying to save the game of baseball.

Obi-Wan – Mike Trout

Obi-Wan is one of the strongest Jedi"s in Star Wars. However, he never quite got the respect he probably deserved as he was always being tasked with mentoring the next generation. After watching the movies and really focusing on him, Obi-Wan is somehow underrated despite being a main part of 4 movies. Meanwhile, Mike Trout has been the best baseball player since the beginning of his career. However, due to a lack of playoff appearances and playing on the smaller team in LA he hasn"t quite gotten the recognition he deserves.

An Ewok – Jose Altuve

So hear me out on this one. Yes, his size is partially the reason that he is cast as an Ewok but watch what the Ewoks do in the movie and then watch how Altuve plays the game. Both come up big despite their stature, are scrappy, and always seem to find a way to win. If you hate the Astros, think of it as Altuve working to defeat the Evil Empire (The Yankees) to become the new most hated character.

Just like Star Wars, the 2021 MLB season is filled with interesting characters and personalities. From the Evil Empire to the young hero the parallels run deep.

And as always…..May the Fourth be with you!

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