Kevin Michael Syx (born October 7, 1993) is a former American Major League Baseball thirdbaseman from MLB '11 The Show for Playstation 3. Syx played from 2013 to 2038, for the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians. He debuted in the Major Leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013 and joined the New York Yankees in 2016, where he stayed through 2018. He then joined the Cleveland Indians in 2019 and retired with them in 2038.
Syx's accomplishments during his baseball career place him among the greatest baseball players of all-time. He has a record-setting twenty-three Most Valuable Player awards, including a record-setting seventeen consecutive MVPs. He is a 23-time All-Star and 21-time Gold Glove-winner. He holds numerous Major League Baseball records, including the all-time Major League Baseball home run record with 1,851 and the single-season Major League record for home runs with 103 (set in 2038), and is also the all-time career leader in both hits (7,129) and runs batted in (5,197).
Major League Career
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Draft and Minor League Career
Kevin Syx was originally drafted 66th overall in the 2010 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Indians at the age of 16. In 2011, he was placed at the Double A level in the Cleveland organization where he played 59 games for the Akron Aeros. At Akron, he hit .420 with 17 home runs and 53 RBI. He was quickly promoted to Triple A Columbus in 2012. As a Clipper, his numbers declined slightly as he adjusted to another level. In 45 games, he hit .327 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI. Fearing that they couldn't afford the talent of his caliber, the Indians traded Syx to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for four players. He played 114 more games in the 2012 season for the Triple A Norfolk Tides. There he showed the greatness that was to come. He hit .395 with 37 home runs and 138 RBI.
Arizona Diamondbacks (2013-2015)
Before Syx made it to the major leagues in Arizona, Diamondbacks fan attendance was low, with 2011 and 2012 attendance below 10,000 per game for the 81-game home schedule. Syx made his major league debut on April 3, 2013. In 2013, Syx led National League (NL) rookies with 43 home runs, 138 RBI, 188 hits and 83 runs scored, he finished 1st in Rookie of the Year voting. He also won the 2013 NL MVP Award. The Diamondbacks experienced unprecedented fan enthusiasm with Syx on the team and set the club attendance record of 52,119 in the 2014 home opener. That year, he hit 42 home runs in his second season, along with 116 RBI and a National League and Major League leading 208 hits. Syx improved in 2015, hitting .393 with 52 home runs. In 2015, the Diamondbacks broke the record set the previous year with 54,089 attending the home opener. Syx was honored with the 2015 National League Silver Slugger and Hank Aaron Awards. He was the National League leader in runs scored with 109. He was the Major League leader in batting average (.393), hits (225), slugging percentage (.753) and OPS (1.169).
New York Yankess (2016-2018)
On November 22, 2015, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Syx to the New York Yankees in exchange for six minor league prospects and $50,000,000. The move immediately paid dividends for the Yankees. Syx played in all 162 games, setting Yankee single season records in at-bats (714), hits (267), home runs (66) and total bases (520). Syx set two Major League Baseball records in 2016, hits in a season with 267, a record previously held by Ichiro Suzuki in 2004. Also, from July 24 through September 30, Syx had a base hit in 64 consecutive games, breaking Joe DiMaggio's 75 year old record. He was named 2016 AL MVP while winning the American League Triple Crown, Silver Slugger and Hank Aaron Awards. Syx got his first taste of the Major League Baseball playoffs in 2016, leading the Yankees to their first World Series win since 2009. Syx was named American League Playoff MVP and 2016 World Series MVP. In his first ever playoff game, Syx hit a walk off 3-run home run off Oakland closer Huston Street to give the Yankees a one game to none lead. Syx hit .458 with 3 home runs and 6 RBI in the five World Series games. In 2017, Syx again would play in all 162 games, leading the Yankees to another playoff appearance and winning his first career Gold Glove Award. On June 11, 2017, Syx hit for the cycle at Toronto for the first time in his career. A feat that he would accomplish 11 times in his career, smashing the previous record of 3. Syx struggled in his second career playoff appearance going 2 for 17 in the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox. However, one of his two hits in the series was a walk off 2-run home run in Game 3. Despite the .117 average from Syx, the Yankees managed to defeat Chicago but would fall in 7 games in the American League Championship Series to the Boston Red Sox. In 2018, Syx would once again set Yankee single season records for home runs (67) and total bases (521). After sweeping the Seattle Mariners in the American League Division Series, Syx and the Yankees once again had trouble with the Chicago White Sox and were swept themselves. Syx hit .277 in the series and hit a home run in Game 4, which would turn out to be his last game in pinstripes.
Cleveland Indians (2019-2038)
After the 2018 season, Kevin Syx became an unrestricted free agent. Free to sign with the team of his choosing, Syx did something unprecedented. He left the big market to give his hometown of Cleveland a chance at a World Series Championship and at a discount price. On December 1, 2019, Syx signed a 10 year, $400,000 contract with a team option for 2029, passing up an 8 year, $200 million deal from the Yankees and a 7 year, $175 million deal from the Texas Rangers. In the press conference, Syx made it abundantly clear what his motives were, "I have one goal, to bring the city of Cleveland and our fans a championship. Unlike some other athletes who will remain nameless, I will not rest until Cleveland has what it deserves." When asked about the hometown discount, Syx simply replied, "I don't need or want money, I want championships." Although unable to produce a playoff team in his first year in Cleveland, Syx shined, posting Major League single season records for hits (292), home runs (80), RBI (201) and total bases (599). On June 20, 2019, Syx hit his second career cycle against the Detroit Tigers in Cleveland. In 2020, Syx delivered on his promise, giving Cleveland their first World Series Championship in 72 years. It was the second consecutive season that Syx set the single season record for RBI in a season with 204. Syx earned his sixth MVP Award, sixth straight All Star Game appearance and fourth straight Gold Glove at third base. After disposing of the Boston Red Sox in 5 games in the American League Division Series, Syx and the Tribe secured a spot in the World Series by defeating the Texas Rangers 4 games to 1. A tough Philadelphia Phillies squad could not deny Syx making good on his promise to the city of Cleveland. In the 7 game series, Syx hit .483 including 4 home runs and 10 RBI. He was named American League Playoff MVP and World Series MVP for the second time in his career. Over the next six seasons, the Indians would fail to make the playoffs, however, Syx would win the next six American League MVP Awards and he would hit some remarkable milestones. On April 13, 2021, he hit for the cycle in Seattle for the third time in his career, tying a Major League record. On August 31, 2023, Syx became the Cleveland Indians all time leader in home runs (338). On August 3, 2024, he became the Tribe's all time leader in RBI with 1,085. Syx became a member of the 3,000 hit club on September 29, 2024. On May 28, 2025, Syx surpassed Barry Bonds as the Major League Baseball all time home run king when he launched his 763rd home run of his career. On June 6, 2026, he passed Hank Aaron as the all time leader in RBI when he drove in career number 2,298. Then on August 4, he became Cleveland's all time leader in hits with 2,047. In 2027, Syx led the Indians back to the post season and would win his second World Series Championship with Cleveland. This was the start of seven straight World Series titles for the Cleveland Indians. On September 17, 2027, Syx set another MLB record by hitting for his fourth career cycle in a game at Oakland. Syx would go on to win his third American League Playoff MVP and World Series MVP. As for the 2028 season, Syx would hit three more major milestones. On May 25, he hit his fifth career cycle at Tampa Bay. On July 17, he collected career hit number 4,000. Eleven days later, he bombed career home run number 1,000 at a home game against the White Sox. The Indians would repeat as World Champions and for the first time, Syx would not win the World Series MVP. In 2029, Syx set Major League single season records for batting average (.453), hits (317), runs scored (183), home runs (92) and RBI (259). On July 8, Syx passed Pete Rose as the MLB all time leader in hits when he roped a double to left center for his 4,257th career hit. On September 11, he had his sixth career cycle at home against the Tigers. He led the Tribe to a three-peat while collecting his fourth World Series MVP Award. The 2030 season was no different, Syx dominated while hitting .445 with 69 home runs and 210 RBI. He was American League Playoff MVP again leading the Tribe to series wins over Oakland, Chicago and eventually defeating the Washington Nationals in seven games for Cleveland's fourth straight championship. The 2031 season was a special one for Syx. He had the highest batting average of his career at .472, a record that may never be broken. He became the first Major League player to ever reach triple digits in home runs in a single season. On October 2, the last day of the regular season, he launched home run number 100 into the right field seats at Jacobs Field. That year he also set MLB single season marks for hits (341), runs scored (195) and RBI (269). On August 15, he became the first and only member of Major League Baseball's 5,000 hit club. The Indians would post an 11-4 record in the playoffs to capture their fifth straight title. Syx set American League Championship Series records with 8 home runs and 17 RBI against the Oakland Athletics. In 2032, Syx won his 18th League MVP Award, 15th Gold Glove and was an All Star for the 18th consecutive year. On July 21, he hit his seventh career cycle at home against the Angels. The Indians would go on to win their sixth consecutive World Series title, defeating the San Diego Padres in 7 games. For the first time in his career, Syx was placed on the disabled list in 2033. A twisted knee kept Syx out of 54 games that year, preventing him from being eligible for some regular season awards. He did however win the Gold Glove once again and managed to lead the Majors in home runs (57) and RBI (171). Syx was able to make it back just in time for the playoffs, where he helped Cleveland to an 11-3 record, tying his own Major League record with 17 RBI in the American League Championship Series against Oakland. It was Cleveland's seventh straight World Series title, and the ninth and final championship in Syx's career. From 2034 to 2038, Kevin Syx would win the League MVP, Gold Glove and would be an All Star each year. He collected career hit number 6,000 on May 12, 2035. In 2036, he hit for the cycle twice, once on April 16 at Texas and again on July 7 at home against the White Sox. Syx's home run in that game happened to be a walk off grand slam in the 10th inning, giving the Tribe a 13-12 victory. In 2038, his final season, he hit for the cycle twice more, bringing his Major League record to 11 times. The first was on June 9 at home against Detroit and the second was June 30, at Colorado. On July 29, he collected career hit number 7,000. Syx retired on October 7, 2038, his 45th birthday. He was inducted into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame the same day and was honored with a statue next to the Bob Feller statue outside gate C at Jacobs Field. A week later, Major League Baseball announced that they would forego the voting, immediately inducting Syx into Cooperstown. Over his 26 year MLB career, Syx made $149,725,888.
Career Records Held
- Games Played (4,062)
- Batting Average (.403)
- At Bats (17,680)
- Hits (7,129)
- Singles (3,734)
- Doubles (1,257)
- Home Runs (1,851)
- Runs Batted In (5,197)
- Slugging Percentage (.821)
- OPS (1.238)
- Total Bases (14,513)
- Total Plate Appearances (18,337)
- Sacrifice Flies (129)
- Gounded Into Double Plays (470)
- Most Assists by a Third Baseman (7,268)
- Highest Fielding Percentage by a Third Baseman (.995)
- Most Innings Played (35,363.2)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 40 or more Home Runs (26, 2013-2038)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 50 or more Home Runs (24, 2015-2038)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 60 or more Home Runs (8, 2025-2032)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 70 or more Home Runs (5, twice 2025-2029 & 2034-2038)
- Most Seasons with 80 or more Home Runs (7)
- Most Seasons with 90 or more Home Runs (4)
- Most Seasons with 100 or more Home Runs (2)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 200 or more Hits (25, 2014-2038)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 300 or more Hits (4, 2029-2032)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 100 or more RBI (26, 2013-2038)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 150 or more RBI (23, 2016-2038)
- Most Consecutive Seasons with 200 or more RBI (5, twice 2028-2032 & 2034-2038)
- Most All Star Game Appearances (23, 2015-2032, 2034-2038)
- Most All Star Game Hits (24)
- Most All Star Game Home Runs (9)
- Most All Star Game RBI (29)
- Most Career Playoff Games (165)
- Most Career Playoff Hits (288)
- Most Career Playoff Home Runs (70)
- Most Career Playoff RBI (208)
- Most World Series Games (53)
- Most World Series Hits (104)
- Most World Series Home Runs (22)
- Most World Series RBI (63)
- Most World Series Championships (9)
| Career Statistics
|
| Batting Avg. |
.403
|
| Home Runs |
1,851
|
| Hits |
7,129
|
| Runs Batted In |
5,197
|
| Stolen Bases |
1,126
|
| Teams |
Years
|
| Arizona Diamondbacks |
2013-2015
|
| New York Yankees |
2016-2018
|
| Cleveland Indians |
2019-2038
|
| Career highlights and awards
|
- 23x All-Star (2015-2032, 2034-2038)
- 15x Home Run Derby Champ (2015-2020, 2024-2026, 2029-2031, 2035-2037)
- 23x MVP NL-(2013), AL-(2016-2032, 2034-2038)
- 2x All-Star Game MVP (2016, 2028)
- 21x Gold Glove Winner at 3rd base (2017-2024, 2026-2038)
- 21x Silver Slugger Award Winner (2015-2016, 2018-2022, 2024-2032, 2034-2038
- 23x Hank Aaron Award Winner (2015-2032, 2034-2038)
- 20x Triple Crown Winner (2016, 2018-2022, 2024-2032, 2034-2038)
- 9x American League Champion NYY-(2016) CLE-(2020, 2027-2033)
- 9x World Series Champion NYY-(2016) CLE-(2020, 2027-2033)
- Major League Leader in:
- 21x Batting Average Leader (2015-2016, 2018-2022, 2024-2032, 2034-2038)
- 15x At Bats Leader (2016-2018, 2020, 2023-2024, 2026-2028, 2030-2032, 2034, 2036, 2038)
- 24x Hits Leader (2014-2032, 2034-2038)
- 8x Doubles Leader (2024, 2027-2028, 2030-2031, 2035-2036, 2038)
- 11x Triples Leader (2018, 2021, 2024, 2027-2028, 2030-2032, 2034-2036)
- 23x Home Runs Leader (2016-2038)
- 24x Runs Batted In Leader (2013, 2016-2038)
- 14x Runs Scored Leader (2016, 2018-2021, 2027-2032, 2036-2038)
- 23x Slugging Pct Leader (2015-2032, 2034-2038)
- 22x OPS Leader (2015-2016, 2018-2032, 2034-2038)
|
| Career Stats |
Games |
AVG |
ABs |
Hits |
Runs |
2Bs |
3Bs |
HRs |
RBIs |
SBs |
CS |
BBs |
Ks |
Slg% |
OB% |
OPS |
TBs |
TPA |
SFs |
SHs
|
| Regular Season |
4,062 |
.403 |
17,680 |
7,129 |
3,778 |
1,257 |
287 |
1,851 |
5,197 |
1,126 |
228 |
446 |
1,736 |
.821 |
.417 |
1.238 |
14,513 |
18,337 |
129 |
5
|
| Career Stats |
GIDP |
HBP |
ASTs |
POs |
Es |
FLD% |
vs RHP |
vs LHP |
Home AVG |
Away AVG
|
| Regular Season |
470 |
77 |
7,268 |
2,456 |
44 |
.995 |
.404 |
.401 |
.411 |
.396
|
| All Star Games |
Games |
Hits/ABs |
Avg. |
2Bs |
3Bs |
HRs |
RBIs |
Runs |
SBs |
BBs
|
| National League |
1 |
1/3 |
.333 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0
|
| American League |
22 |
23/69 |
.333 |
3 |
2 |
9 |
28 |
11 |
3 |
2
|
| Totals |
23 |
24/72 |
.333 |
4 |
2 |
9 |
29 |
11 |
3 |
2
|
| Playoffs |
Games |
Hits/ABs |
Avg. |
2Bs |
3Bs |
HRs |
RBIs |
Runs |
SBs |
BBs
|
| Divisional Series |
45 |
70/197 |
.355 |
14 |
4 |
21 |
53 |
47 |
14 |
2
|
| Championship Series |
67 |
114/300 |
.380 |
21 |
3 |
27 |
92 |
56 |
11 |
7
|
| World Series |
53 |
104/234 |
.444 |
23 |
9 |
22 |
63 |
60 |
19 |
8
|
| Totals |
165 |
288/731 |
.393 |
58 |
16 |
70 |
208 |
163 |
44 |
17
|
