Player A & Player B are of the same age, physique & equal skillset. As prospects they are both considered the best future players at their position.
- Player A doesn't take steroids, he goes through a major slump in July/Aug as his body struggles to keep up with the grueling 6 month schedule. Still, he smashes 25HR and puts up a 125 wRC+, a great overall hitter.
- Player B takes steroids, he rarely has the slump like others. His body is not tiring out, it's still strong as it was in May/June. He plugs his way through the season with a 170 wRC+, earns MVP votes, silver slugger & Hank Aaron award.
I really don't know if it can have that large of an effect, but Player B ends up being a legend and signs record breaking contract. Player A probably is super excited to get All-Star votes.
Player A drank lots of protein shakes.