As May draws to a close, two players found themselves squarely in the spotlight with massive performances at the plate. Seattle’s Dante Bichette continues his torrid stretch to capture another United League Player of the Week award, while New York catcher Mike Lieberthal earns his first career recognition in the Federal League.
United League: Bichette’s Power Surge Continues
For the second time this season, Dante Bichette has earned top honors in the United League—and this week’s production may have been even more impressive than his last. Over six games, Bichette posted a .444/.464/.963 line with 12 hits in 27 at-bats, including five home runs and 13 RBIs.
Bichette has become one of the most feared bats in the UL, combining consistent contact with explosive power. His ability to change the game with one swing has turned Seattle into a dangerous offensive unit. What stands out this week is not just the home run total but the run production—13 RBIs in a single week speaks to his timely hitting and ability to capitalize with runners on.
For the season, Bichette is now batting .312 with 18 home runs, 46 RBIs, 39 runs scored, and a .354 on-base percentage. His offensive profile has become a cornerstone of Seattle’s lineup, and if he keeps up this pace, he’ll be in the thick of MVP conversations.
Federal League: Lieberthal Breaks Out in the Bronx
Mike Lieberthal may not be a household name yet, but after this week, he’s certainly on the radar. The 23-year-old Yankees catcher went 8-for-16 with a .500/.526/1.125 slash line, adding four home runs, five RBIs, and six runs scored across five games.
Lieberthal’s emergence is significant for a New York club looking for steady production behind the plate. His ability to hit for power and manage a game from behind the dish makes him a valuable dual-threat presence. And at just 23, there’s plenty of room for growth.
On the season, Lieberthal is now hitting .273 with seven home runs, and this latest performance could be the beginning of a breakout campaign.
Momentum Building
Both Bichette and Lieberthal showcased different strengths this week—veteran power and young potential—but the result was the same: dominant offensive stretches that propelled their teams. Bichette continues to build one of the most complete offensive resumes in the league, while Lieberthal looks like he’s ready to take the next step in his development.
It’s performances like these that shift the landscape of the season, and if they maintain their momentum, we could be witnessing the early shaping of both award races and postseason contenders.