Part 2/7:
Akin initially struggled in the 2023 season due to injuries and ineffective performances, pitching a mere 23.2 innings with a dismal 6.85 ERA. However, his underlying metrics provided an encouraging indication of better things to come as he headed into the 2024 campaign. In particular, his impressive 2.96 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) hinted at significant unluckiness, primarily due to a .434 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play). When combined with a prior reputation as a former highly ranked prospect, expectations quietly remained intact for Akin as he stepped onto the mound in 2024.