2024 Positional Energy Rankings: Proper Subject

After a wobbly comeback from a mid-2021 ACL tear, a stronger Acuña turned in a season for the ages, the first 40-homer, 70-steal marketing campaign (he had 41 of the previous, 73 of the latter). He completely smoked the ball, with a 94.7 mph common exit velo (second solely to Choose), 15.3% barrel charge (93rd percentile) and 55% hard-hit charge (98th percentile); for as outstanding as his .337/.416/.596 slash line was — ok to guide the Nationwide League in OBP and wRC+ (170) whereas rating second in BA and SLG — his .357 xBA and .660 xSLG had been much more outstanding. He does appear to have throttled his once-elite dash velocity as a matter of self-preservation, however nonetheless provides worth along with his legs, although it’s price noting he posted career-worst defensive metrics (-8 RAA, -3.3 UZR, -2 DRS).

Wall is a 28-year-old lefty who spent many of the previous 4 seasons at Triple-A. His 104 wRC+ at Gwinnett represented his first above-average displaying at that stage; extra notably, he stole 52 bases in 60 makes an attempt. In his first style of the majors, he made 15 PA in 15 video games with the Braves, typically coming into as a pinch-runner or defensive alternative; his 5-for-6 in stolen bases might be extra predictive of no matter main league future he has than his 6-for-13 on the plate.

To spice up an offense that ranked eleventh within the American League in scoring, the Yankees traded 4 gamers for a 12 months of management of Soto, who rebounded from a relatively down 2022 and hit .275/.410/.519 (155 wRC+) with a career-high 35 homers even because the Padres fizzled. Whereas he was extraordinarily selective and disciplined as regular, his 18.6% stroll charge and 18.2% strikeout charge each represented his worst marks since 2019. When he linked, he set profession bests with a 93.2 mph common exit velo (96th percentile) and 55.3% hard-hit charge (99th percentile). In a extra hitter-friendly ballpark, hitting second forward of Choose, the 25-year-old slugger seems primed for an enormous season.

A 12 months after the American League-record, MVP-winning 62-homer efficiency that landed him a nine-year, $360 million deal, Choose hit .267/.406/.613; his 174 wRC+ would have positioned second within the AL and his SLG third if he weren’t 44 PA wanting qualifying. He missed eight weeks after tearing a ligament his proper large toe in a collision with the Dodger Stadium wall on June 3, slipping from a 187 wRC+ earlier than to a 164 after. With Soto’s arrival, he’ll spend extra time in middle — the place he began 74 occasions in 2022 however simply 16 final 12 months — than proper, with some DH and left area responsibility as effectively. Stanton, who collapsed to a .191/.275/.420 (89 wRC+) displaying whereas lacking six weeks as a result of a hamstring pressure, is hoping a leaner physique and reworked swing rejuvenate his profession.

Tatis missed the season’s first 20 video games whereas ending his late-2022 PED suspension, then hit a relatively modest .257/.322/.449 (113 wRC+), albeit with 25 homers and 29 stolen bases. Swinging extra freely than ever, his high quality of contact suffered. His 91.9 mph common exit velo, 11% barrel charge, and 48.9% hard-hit charge had been spectacular by anybody else’s requirements however not his personal; that he solely briefly sustained a efficiency consistent with his pre-suspension (and pre-wrist fracture) physique of labor, with 5 of six month-to-month wRC+ figures at 110 or decrease, fueled cynicism concerning the authenticity of his 2019–21 excellence. He did retain distinctive worth because of elite protection, main all proper fielders along with his 29 DRS, 13.8 UZR, and 10 RAA.

The Padres’ outfield lacks depth, and the options to Tatis don’t look promising. Azocar, a 27-year-old righty, hit .231/.278/.363 (78 wRC+) in 102 PA final 12 months and wasn’t a lot better in 216 PA in 2022. Profar is coming off a career-worst efficiency (.242/.321/.368, 76 wRC+, -2.0 WAR) although at the very least he improved with the Padres in September relative to his 5 months with the Rockies. Mitchell, a 25-year-old lefty, made simply 5 PA for Pittsburgh final 12 months, with an 87 wRC+ at Triple-A after hitting .226/.286/.349 (78 wRC+) in 232 PA for the Bucs in 2022; he was optioned to the minors earlier this week. Mercado, a former Guardians prospect and present Padres NRI, owns a profession .237/.289/.388 (82 wRC+) line in 973 PA, simply 32 of which got here final 12 months.

The 27-year-old Tucker is among the sport’s most constant and underappreciated gamers. Final 12 months, he not solely set a profession excessive with 4.9 WAR — 0.1 forward of 2022 and 0.2 forward of ’21 — he fell one homer wanting his third straight season with precisely 30 homers and his first pairing these homers with 30 steals; he practically received that homer however for a controversial scoring determination. Already exceptionally disciplined on the plate, he set new lows with a 46.9% swing charge and 22.2% chase charge en path to profession bests in stroll and strikeout charges (11.9% and 13.6%, respectively). In all he hit .284/.369/.517, rating fourth within the league with a 140 wRC+ and ninth in WAR. The one knock is that his defensive metrics had been down throughout the board, most notably dropping from 4 to -4 in RAA and 14 to 1 in DRS.

McCormick, who’s practically two years older than Tucker, is rising as an excellent participant in his personal proper, having set profession highs with 22 homers, 19 steals, a 133 wRC+ and three.8 WAR in 2023. He’s slated to be the Astros’ common left fielder with occasional responsibility in middle and a smattering of enjoying time behind Tucker — who made 152 begins final 12 months — in proper.

Carroll not solely received NL Rookie of the 12 months honors, he illustrated why the Diamondbacks put their religion in him with an eight-year, $111 million extension, serving to them to their first World Collection in 22 years. He hit .285/.362/.506 (133 wRC+) with 25 homers and 54 steals (with a 91.5% success charge). He had 17 homers via the and of June however simply eight thereafter, with the slowdown of his tempo kind of coinciding with some ache in his surgically repaired proper — non-throwing — shoulder (he misplaced most of 2021 to a posterior capsular avulsion and a torn labrum). It was nonetheless a incredible marketing campaign, along with his 6.1 WAR fifth within the NL. Whereas he performed all thee outfield positions final 12 months, he figures to get most of his time in proper. Although he ranged from 1 DRS to 7.1 UZR within the defensive metrics there, his Thirty fourth-percentile Arm Power and -6 runs in Arm Worth (each Statcast measures) was the majors’ second-lowest mark, which doesn’t bode effectively for his long-term future on the place.

Grichuk, a 32-year-old righty, hit .267/.321/.459 (100 wRC+) for the Rockies and Angels whereas providing his regular mix of free swinging (37.3% chase charge), modest energy (16 homers), lefty mashing (155 wRC+ in 134 PA, in comparison with a 79 wRC+ in 337 PA towards righties), and satisfactory protection, although his glove abilities are clearly on the decline in middle. McCarthy, a 26-year-old lefty, plummeted from a 117 wRC+ as a rookie in 2022 to 79 final 12 months, although he did steal 26 bases in 30 makes an attempt. Smith, a 28-year-old lefty, turned in an 81 wRC+ himself.

After enjoying simply 211 video games in 2021–22, Springer was wholesome sufficient to play in 154 in ’23, his most in seven seasons. However whereas he totaled 21 homers and a career-high 20 steals, he had his worst season on the plate, hitting simply .258/.327/.405 (104 wRC+). He hit the ball with much less authority than ever, along with his 88.3 mph common exit velo, 7.7% barrel charge, and 39.4% hard-hit charge all putting within the forty fourth percentile or decrease. A few of it could have been the change to the Rogers Centre’s configuration, because the fences had been moved nearer however constructed a lot increased; righties as a gaggle dropped from a .438 SLG to .394, whereas lefties improved from .385 to .398. Defensively, Springer performed simply two innings in middle area because of the arrival of Kevin Kiermaier, whose return figures to restrict the now 34-year-old to the nook once more.

The lefty-swinging Biggio, who turns 29 on April 11, performed in a career-high 11 video games whereas hitting .235/.340/.370 (103 wRC+). He made at the very least 13 appearances at 4 completely different positions, together with 27 in proper area. Lukes, one other lefty, is definitely 9 months older than Biggio however has simply 31 main league PA up to now. He’s a depth piece with an excellent really feel for contact and the power to play middle in addition to the outfield corners.

Greene, the fifth choose of the 2019 draft, began 168 video games in middle area over the previous two seasons, however started recognizing in each outfield corners as soon as Parker Meadows arrived in late August and took over middle. It was greater than an experiment, it was a harbinger of issues to come back, however that section didn’t final lengthy, as Greene tore the UCL in his proper (non-throwing) elbow and underwent Tommy John surgical procedure. Earlier than getting injured, he made notable enhancements in his high quality of contact, boosting his common exit velo two ticks to 91.6 mph and his barrel charge two proportion factors to 11.3%; his xSLG improved from .388 to .499 and he hit .288/.349/.447 (119 wRC+) total. Slated to spend most of his time in proper, the 23-year-old lefty rapidly ramped as much as enjoying every day this spring and is on observe for Opening Day.

Carpenter, a 26-year-old lefty, hit .278/.340/.471 (121 wRC+) final season with 20 homers. He was round common on the outfield corners, the place he performed 91 video games (80 in proper), however figures to see most of his time at DH. Canha, a 35-year-old righty, is the common left fielder and is coming off a .262/.355/.400 (111 wRC+) season cut up between the Mets and Brewers. Vierling, a 27-year-old righty, hit .261/.329/.388 (99 wRC+) final 12 months and is within the combine for all three outfield spots and third base.

Even earlier than his postseason rampage, García loved the most effective season of his profession, blasting 39 homers (second within the AL) whereas hitting .245/.328/.508 (124 wRC+) with a considerably extra disciplined method on the plate. Trimming about 5 factors off his swing charge (to 48.6%) and 7 off his chase charge (to 33%), he nonetheless struck out at about the identical charge (27.7%), whereas bumping his stroll charge up 4 factors (to 10.3%), flipping his groundball-to-fly ball ratio (from 1.02 to 0.78), and bettering his barrel charge by over three factors (to 16.1%). With Gold Glove-winning protection (7 DRS, 6.4 UZR, and a pair of RAA, the final of which doesn’t account for his six runs above common in arm worth, third within the majors), he positioned eleventh within the AL with 4.8 WAR. At 31, he’s no spring hen, however between his adjustments in course of and his glovework, he ought to be one of many place’s finest.

Within the 21-year-old Carter and 22-year-old Langford, the Rangers have an enviable pair of fast-rising outfielders who respectively ranked twelfth and second on our High 100 Prospects checklist. They’ll probably cowl left area and get further time across the outfield, with the latter additionally getting the majority of the DH work. Carter hit a scorching .306/.413/.645 (180 wRC+) in 75 PA for the Rangers, and stayed sizzling in October. Langford, the fourth choose of final 12 months’s draft, hit .360/.480/.677 (190 wRC+) with 10 homers in 200 PA whereas rocketing via 4 minor league stops. Jankowski, a 32-year-old lefty who hit .263/.357/.332 (95 wRC+) in 287 PA, has his work lower out to earn enjoying time.

Kepler didn’t totally keep away from accidents, however his 130 video games, 24 homers, and a pair of.6 WAR represented his finest season since 2019. After slumping to 9 homers and a 95 wRC+ whereas enjoying via a damaged pinky toe in 2022, he scuffled via the primary half with an 88 wRC+ and missed 4 weeks as a result of patellar tendinitis and a hamstring pressure. Fortunately, he lastly received his legs wholesome, hit for a 154 wRC+ within the second half, and completed at .260/.332/.484, with each his batting common and 124 wRC+ setting profession highs. He posted his finest wRC+ towards lefties since 2019 (108), and performed excellent protection as effectively.

Margot, a 29-year-old righty who was traded by the Rays and Dodgers this winter, hit for only a 93 wRC+ total and an 84 towards lefties, however he’s produced a 115 mark towards them for the previous three seasons. He’ll see time in any respect three outfield spots. Castro, a 26-year-old switch-hitter, produced a scorching 122 wRC+ towards righties final 12 months (82 towards lefties) and might play second and third in addition to all three outfield spots. Larnach, a 27-year-old lefty, managed a 99 wRC+ however has struggled to make contact and notice his great uncooked energy.

After profitable six Gold Gloves for granted fielder, Betts returned to his roots and helped stabilize the Dodgers’ center infield state of affairs in yet one more MVP caliber season, hitting .307/.408/.579 (167 wRC+) with 39 homers, 14 steals, and eight.3 WAR, tied with Acuña for the key league lead. He’s now slated to be the Dodgers’ common second baseman shortstop however may nonetheless plausibly see time in his outdated stomping grounds — maybe within the later innings — given the presence of Miguel Rojas.

Betts’ flexibility was enabled by Heyward’s unlikely rebound. After hitting for a 68 wRC+ with -0.2 WAR and drawing his launch from the Cubs a 12 months earlier than his eight-year, $184 million contract expired, the then-33-year-old lefty hit .269/.340/.473 with 15 homers in 377 PA, along with his 121 wRC+ his highest full-season mark since 2015. A key to that was limiting him to twenty-eight PA towards lefties; he accomplished simply 37 of 79 outfield begins (together with 12 in middle). He’s nonetheless a superb defender, too. Teoscar Hernández is slated to be the common left fielder, although he’s spent many of the previous 4 seasons in proper. Whereas he hit an an uninspiring .258/.305/.435 (105 wRC+) total final 12 months, escaping T-Cell Park, the place he slugged .380 and struggled to see the ball, ought to assist.

Suzuki ran cold and warm throughout his second stateside season, raking at a 163 wRC+ clip or higher in Could, August, and September however slumping to a 32 wRC+ in June and 81 in July. In all, he hit a sturdy .285/.357/.485 (126 wRC+), swinging at fewer pitches exterior the strike zone and notably bettering towards righties; he trimmed his strikeout charge towards same-siders from 28.2% to 24.5%, and boosted his slugging proportion towards them from .416 to .491. In opposition to pitchers of each fingers, he greater than doubled his SLG towards sliders (.from .299 to .605) whereas trimming his whiff charge on such choices (from 35.5% to twenty-eight.2%). It was an encouraging season total.

Tauchman earned a career-high 401 PA final 12 months along with his finest efficiency since his 2019 breakout with the Yankees. He hit .252/.363/.377 (107 wRC+) whereas strolling 14% of the time and enjoying strong protection, primarily in middle. With Pete Crow-Armstrong on the horizon, the 33-year-old lefty might even see his enjoying time diminished, notably with Bellinger ready to attract upon his versatility in a lineup with no scarcity of transferring components. The previous MVP revitalized his profession with a .307/.356/.525 (134 wRC+) efficiency, with 26 homers and 20 steals in addition to a extra contact-focused two-strike method; his slash stats had been effectively forward of his .268 xBA and .434 xSLG, suggesting there may very well be substantial regression forward.

For the second 12 months in a row, Santander claimed a share of the Orioles residence run lead, hitting 28 to go together with a .257/.325/.472 (119 wRC+) line. He was wildly inconsistent from month to month when it comes to wRC+, with marks of 90 or decrease in April, June, and September offset by a 191 in Could, a 118 in July, and a 152 in August. His platoon splits had been mainly even after equally veering everywhere in the map in recent times, one other reminder to not take small samples too severely. It’s price noting that regardless of Statcast metrics fairly just like 2022, he produced a career-low .426 xSLG, which he exceeded by 46 factors.

In Cowser and Kjerstad, the Orioles do have a few prospects with no clear path to common enjoying time. Cowser, a 24-year-old lefty, hit .300/.417/.520 (136 wRC+) with 17 homers at Triple-A however struck out 26.8% of the time, and he was eaten alive in a 77-PA pattern within the majors (.115/.286/.148, 40 wRC+). His lack of standout instruments, considerations about his skill to deal with middle area, and issues with lefties forged him as a possible nook platoon choice. Kjerstad, the second choose of the 2020 draft, is a 25-year-old lefty who positioned twenty fourth on our High 100 checklist after hitting .303/.376/.528 (133 wRC+) at Double- and Triple-A; he’s received fast wrists, incredible plate protection and 70-grade uncooked energy, although he’s bit chase-prone.

Lowe rebounded from a shaky 52-game rookie season to hit .292/.335/.500 (131 wRC+) with 20 homers, 32 steals, and three.8 WAR. He took a extra aggressive method, rising his swing charge by about seven factors (to 53.4%) and his chase charge about 10 factors (to 38.9%). He improved dramatically towards four-seamers, from a .149 AVG/.328 SLG to .303 AVG/.563 SLG, whereas reducing his whiff charge from 38.7% to 29.4%. Defensively, he above common in proper area.

Whereas the lefty-swinging Lowe improved from an unfathomable -16 wRC+ to a 97 towards lefties, he may have a platoonmate, with the righty-swinging DeLuca, Ramírez, and Rosario all candidates; within the close to time period, he’ll additionally want a fill-in as he’ll miss at the very least the primary week as a result of an indirect pressure. The 25-year-old DeLuca, who came to visit within the Tyler Glasnow commerce, hit a mixed .294/.390/.566 (136 wRC+) at Double- and Triple-Some time additionally taking 45 PA for the Dodgers; he’ll miss the beginning of the season as a result of a damaged proper hand. The 29-year-old Ramírez hit for a 128 wRC+ in 434 PA final 12 months, his second straight of sneaky-good contact-oriented manufacturing. The 28-year-old Rosario, who slipped to an 88 wRC+ with -11 RAA and 0.2 WAR as a shortstop with the Guardians and Dodgers, is hoping to revive the outfield to his repertoire. Palacios, a 26-year-old contact-over-power lefty, hit .258/.307/.516 (120 wRC+) in 102 PA for the Cardinals; his six homers in that small pattern matched his highest whole at any earlier skilled cease.

At age 21, with no Triple-A expertise, Walker made the Cardinals out of spring coaching and instantly reeled off a 12-game hitting streak. However when the league rapidly adjusted, he slumped briefly and was despatched to Memphis to work on his method, notably so he may elevate the ball with better consistency. Even with a 46.9% groundball charge, he completed at a decent .276/.342/.445 (116 wRC+) line, however his protection was one other matter. Blocked by Nolan Arenado at third base, he moved to the outfield and was completely brutal based on the metrics (-16 DRS, -13 RAA, -11.8 UZR), and the visuals weren’t a lot better; even with the occasional spectacular play, he netted simply 0.2 WAR. He does challenge to enhance, even when his protection remains to be a drag on his worth.

Carlson performed simply 76 video games final 12 months amid an indirect pressure and ankle sprain; the latter induced sufficient injury that he underwent season-ending surgical procedure in August. He hit simply .219/.318/.333 for a career-low 84 wRC+, struggling greater than regular towards righties (67 wRC+ in 170 PA) and lefties (118 wRC+ in 85 PA); each had been off by about 20 factors of wRC+ relative to his profession marks. He’ll vie for time in any respect three outfield spots. Nootbaar, a 26-year-old lefty, would be the common left fielder after dabbling in any respect three spots in 2023; he might begin the 12 months on the injured checklist after struggling two nondisplaced rib fractures making an attempt to make a catch on March 8.

The current addition of Michael A. Taylor has stirred issues up right here, with Reynolds, who performed primarily left final 12 months after manning middle in 2021–22, transferring to proper, a place the place he’s performed simply 31 common season video games, all in 2019. The considering behind that is that PNC Park has extra floor to cowl in left than proper, making it higher fitted to Suwinski; per Statcast, his vary, arm power, and dash velocity all charge increased than that of Reynolds, whose total defensive metrics in left ranged from -3 RAA to 2 DRS. On the plate, Reynolds hit .263/.330/.460 with 24 homers and 12 steals in 2023; fueled by uncharacteristic bother towards lefties, the 29-year-old switch-hitter’s 110 wRC+ total represented his second consecutive drop from a excessive of 140 in 2021.

Olivares, a 28-year-old righty, is a contact-oriented hitter who batted .263/.317/.452 (105 wRC+) with 12 homers, 11 steals, and one other sequence of appalling defensive metrics for the Royals; he’s at -21 DRS and -13 RAA in 1,182.2 innings throughout three positions and 4 seasons. Joe, a 31-year-old righty, is coming off a modest 107 wRC+ with a career-high 11 homers; each he and Olivares put up a wRC+ within the mid-120s towards lefties in 2023. Palacios, a 28-year-old lefty, hit for simply an 83 wRC+ in 264 PA final 12 months and is probably going ticketed for Triple-A. The 37-year-old McCutchen, the group’s major DH, made simply eight appearances within the area in final 12 months’s return however may spot as soon as in awhile.

A recurrent left hamstring pressure despatched Yastrzemski to the injured checklist 3 times in 2023, limiting him to 106 video games. When he performed, he was sometimes strong, hitting .233/.330/.445; his 112 wRC+ was his highest since 2020. For the third straight season, he struggled mightily towards lefties, posting a 62 wRC+ in 85 PA, in comparison with a 126 wRC+ in 296 PA towards righties. Defensively, he cut up his time between middle area (44 begins) and the corners (38 begins in proper, eight in left); with Jung Hoo Lee 이정후’s arrival, he’ll spend extra time in proper.

Soler bashed 36 homers for the Marlins — his highest whole since 2019 — whereas hitting .250/.341/.512 (126 wRC+). The 32-year-old righty wasn’t signed for his glove, however will slot into proper often; a platoon with the lefty-swinging Yastrzemski appears logical however new supervisor Bob Melvin has stated he doesn’t wish to be confined by such matchup considerations. Slater, a 31-year-old righty who’s hit for a 141 wRC+ towards lefties since 2020 and who’s a a lot stronger defender than Soler, will see time in any respect three outfield slots, a few of it in help of Conforto, a 31-year-old lefty who’s on observe to be the common left fielder. Matos, a 22-year-old righty, is coming off a tough rookie season (87 wRC+, -0.4 WAR) and is probably going certain for Triple-A regardless of a robust spring, as he has no clear path to enjoying time.

After struggling throughout trials in 2021 and ’22, Duran reworked his swing and hit a formidable .295/.346/.482 (120 wRC+) final 12 months. Arriving in mid-April, he lined middle area after Adam Duvall broke his wrist, then cut up his time between middle and left towards righty starters between Duvall’s return and his personal season-ending sprain of his left large toe in late August. Whereas Durran homered simply eight occasions and had a 5.3% barrel charge, he added 34 doubles, most of the hustle selection, aided by a forty five.7% hard-hit charge and his 70-grade velocity. He additionally went 24-for-26 in steals. His metrics in middle area have been persistently terrible, but when Ceddanne Rafaela is prepared, Duran will primarily see time in proper.

Rafaela’s ascendance may come at Abreu’s expense. Promoted after Duran’s harm, the 24-year-old lefty hit .316/.388/.474 (135 wRC+) in 85 PA after batting .274/.391/.538 (130 wRC+) at Triple-A. He did strike out 27.1% of the time within the large leagues, so his small pattern jibes with the prospect group’s description of a “40-hit, 50-power nook outfielder with a swing geared to get to all of the pop.” He has above-average velocity and protection in his favor as effectively. Refsnyder, a 32-year-old righty who fell off from a 146 wRC+ with 1.3 WAR to 93 with 0.2 WAR, will open the season on the IL as a result of a fractured left pinky toe. O’Neill, slated to be the common left fielder, hasn’t performed proper since 2019 however may slot right here generally.

For the third straight season, Marte missed important time, however the place he hit for a 134 wRC+ and posted 2.9 WAR in 118 video games in 2022, this time his efficiency collapsed. Hampered by discomfort stemming from scar tissue from final winter’s double groin surgical procedure (!), he hit simply .248/.301/.324 (76 wRC+) with 5 homers and 24 steals earlier than being sidelined for the second half of July as a result of migraines. Upon returning, he performed simply two video games earlier than struggling yet one more groin pressure; he didn’t play once more, however prevented one other surgical procedure. The 35-year-old righty has struggled this spring, however he’s stated to be hitting the ball tougher; provided that he’s beneath contract via subsequent season, the Mets determine to stay with him for awhile.

Taylor, a 30-year-old righty acquired from the Brewers in December, is the group’s fourth outfielder. He’s coming off a subpar season in Milwaukee, along with his 88 wRC+ (.234/.267/.446) and three.3% stroll charge each representing profession lows. He did hit 10 homers and steal 9 bases, however doesn’t hit the ball with sufficient consistency or get on base usually sufficient to do a ton of injury. McNeil offset his mediocre .270/.333/.378 (100 wRC+) line with versatility, making 97 begins at second base and 57 within the outfield (31 in proper). Stewart, a 30-year-old lefty, had a formidable 58-game run whereas primarily enjoying in Marte’s absence, hitting .244/.333/.506 (130 wRC+) with 11 homers, however he is likely to be the odd man out.

A 2016 first-round choose by the Guardians, Benson fell out of favor as a result of contact points, however he received the final snort, hitting .275/.365/.498 (128 wRC+) with 11 homers and 19 steals for the Reds. Whereas his 31.3% strikeout charge speaks to Cleveland’s considerations, his efficiency seems to be Choose-like in comparison with the Guardians’ outfielders. He’s not undisciplined, chasing simply 23.2% of pitches and strolling 12.2% of the time, however even with a ten.3% barrel charge, he was effectively forward of his .230 xBA and .398 xSLG, and he was a basket case towards lefties. The 25-year-old lefty is in for a platoon position, first in middle, the place he’ll fill in whereas TJ Friedl recovers from a fractured wrist, after which right here.

Fraley is a 28-year-old lefty who can’t hit lefties (42 wRC+ profession); he batted .256/.339/.443 (107 wRC+) with 15 homers and 21 steals in 380 PA. He matches higher as a complement to the righty-swinging Steer in left area, however the Friedl harm opens up extra time for him in proper. Steer is among the Reds’ greatest boppers; he led Cincinnati with 23 homers whereas posting a 118 wRC+. Fairchild, a 28-year-old righty, stayed in a single group final 12 months after splitting time between 4 in 2022; he hit .228/.321/.388 (89 wRC+) with 10 steals in 255 PA. Martini, a 33-year-old lefty, clubbed six homers in 79 PA for the Reds final 12 months; he’s an outfielder/first base/pinch-hit choice.

Laureano was restricted to 105 video games — nonetheless his highest whole since 2019 — as a result of a groin pressure and a fractured proper hand; he additionally modified addresses after Cleveland claimed him off waivers from Oakland on August 7. He hit a subpar .224/.304/.371 (91 wRC+) with 9 homers and 12 steals total however produced a 106 wRC+ after the transfer whereas tightening up his plate self-discipline. Nonetheless, his 28.2% strikeout charge was a profession excessive, and his 9.7% barrel charge and 35.9% hard-hit charge his lowest since 2020.

Florial, a 26-year-old lefty, was liberated from the Yankees group in a December commerce. With a revamped swing he hit .284/.380/.565 (130 wRC+) with 28 homers and 25 steals at Triple-A however made simply 71 PA on the main league stage after being outrighted whereas a cavalcade of Quad-A hackers sank the Yankees offense. Not that Florial is flawless, as his 29.9% strikeout in Triple-A attests, however he provides thump for an outfield that mixed for simply 18 homers final 12 months. Brennan, a 26-year-old lefty, received the lion’s share of labor in proper final 12 months, hitting a skinny .266/.299/.356 (81 wRC+) in 455 PA; his 3.5% stroll charge and a pair of.4% barrel uncommon had been each fairly grim. DeLauter, the sixteenth choose of final 12 months’s draft, positioned twenty ninth on this 12 months’s High 100; he’s a 22-year-old lefty with a promising future however simply six video games above Excessive-A.

The 25-year-old Mitchell and the going-on-24-year-old Frelick are a pair of lefty-swinging former first-round picks from 2020 and ’21, respectively. Mitchell started 2023 because the Brewers’ common middle fielder, however tore his left labrum on April 18, underwent surgical procedure, and performed solely three extra video games. He’s a speedster with above-average uncooked energy, however a fringy hit device lowers his ceiling. In 141 PA in 2022 and ’23, he struck out 38.3% of the time whereas batting .278/.343/.452 (119 wRC+); even with a ten.8% barrel charge, he’s produced only a .342 xSLG thus far. The ascent of Jackson Chourio pushes Mitchell to proper, and it seems Frelick will play a good bit at third base, which he hadn’t performed since summer season league ball.

Frelick cut up time between proper and middle in Mitchell’s absence, hitting .246/.341/.351 (92 wRC+) in 223 PA and enjoying distinctive protection. He’s a hit-over-power sort with good velocity; he went 7-for-7 in stolen base makes an attempt. His 2.5% barrel charge and .304 xSLG are causes for concern, and like Mitchell, he wants a platoon associate. Wiemer, a 25-year-old righty, is the most effective wager for that position. A High 100 prospect with 70 grades on each his uncooked energy and velocity, he hit simply .204/.283/.362 (75 wRC+) with 13 homers and 11 steals, making good contact but in addition hanging out 28.3% of the time and whiffing on 39.7% of swings at breaking balls. He’s reworked his swing and method in hopes of enchancment.

Save for a short rehab stint following a hamstring pressure, Sánchez lastly spent a full season within the majors, setting profession highs with 125 video games and 1.3 WAR whereas hitting .253/.327/.450 (109 wRC+) with 14 homers. The now-26-year-old lefty remains to be too chase- and groundball-happy to totally notice his distinctive uncooked energy, and his ongoing struggles towards lefties (50 wRC+ final 12 months) forged him as a platoon participant.

De La Cruz, who’s more likely to be the Marlins’ common left fielder regardless of hitting for only a 92 wRC+ final 12 months whereas enjoying subpar protection, may see time right here as effectively if newcomer Nick Gordon clicks. García was restricted to 37 video games final 12 months as a result of again tightness and a recurrent left hamstring pressure, and has managed only a 59 wRC+ and -1.1 WAR in 498 PA over the previous two seasons. His skill to hit lefties makes him a helpful match if he can rebound, however at 32 years outdated and along with his observe file, that’s hardly a assure. Bruján, no. 55 on our 2022 High 100 Prospects checklist as a second baseman with distinctive velocity and vary, hit simply .171/.241/.197 in 84 PA for the Rays. He’s out of minor league choices however hoping his skill to play proper area provides to his attraction.

Brown, a 31-year-old lefty, entered final season because the A’s high returning hitter and presumptive first baseman however completely flopped, batting simply .222/.286/.405 (92 wRC+). When a Grade 2 indirect pressure sidelined him for six weeks early within the season, Ryan Noda emerged as a strong first base common, leaving Brown to separate time between the outfield corners, first, and DH. It’s honest to wonder if the indirect was an ongoing downside, although he did hit the ball tougher than his slash line suggests, with a .237 xBA and .451 xSLG.

Brown’s confirmed lack of ability towards lefties means he’ll want a platoon associate, probably the 29-year-old Andujar. As a rookie third baseman in 2018, he drilled 27 homers for the Yankees, however dangerous defensive metrics drove him off the recent nook, and shoulder and wrist accidents have restricted him to simply 506 PA within the majors in 5 seasons since. A high-contact, low-OBP hacker, he hit .250/.300/.476 (105 wRC+) with 4 homers in 90 PA for the Pirates final 12 months. Butler, a 23-year-old lefty outfielder, entered final season as Oakland’s no. 2 prospect however hit simply .211/.240/.341 (60 wRC+) with a 3.1% stroll charge and 27.1% strikeout charge. His 70-grade energy and above-average velocity assure an extended look; he’ll be within the combine in middle area and at first base as effectively. Ruiz, who stole an AL-high 67 bases final 12 months, is the common left fielder, however the 25-year-old righty may often slot into proper.

After alternately starring and lacking prolonged time with Seattle from 2017–22, Haniger spent a depressing season in San Francisco, the place he performed simply 61 video games, missed 4 weeks as a result of an indirect pressure and 11 extra as a result of a fractured ulna that required surgical procedure, and hit .209/.266/.365 (73 wRC+). Now 33 and a Mariner once more, he’s performed simply 338 video games whereas totaling 4.2 WAR over the previous 5 seasons. He did hit the ball higher than that slash line suggests, with a ten.9% barrel charge, .245 xBA, and .437 xSLG, but it surely’s a stretch to count on him to duplicate his 2018 and even ’21 manufacturing.

Canzone, a 26-year-old lefty, batted .220/.258/.399 (79 wRC+) in a 182-PA rookie season cut up between Arizona and Seattle. He’s received plus uncooked energy and can see time at each outfield corners. Marlowe, a 26-year-old lefty, hit a decent .239/.330/.420 (112 wRC+) in 100 PA after Jarred Kelenic broke his foot. He’s a 35+ FV prospect whose velocity is his solely above-average device, and he’s already been optioned to Triple-A to begin the season. Haggerty, a switch-hitting 29-year-old, began slowly and was demoted to Triple-A for over two months; following a robust mid-August return, he completed at .253/.364/.341 (108 wRC+) with 10 steals in simply 108 PA. Moore, a 31-year-old righty utilityman, missed April and Could as a result of an indirect pressure however hit .207/.303/.428 (105 wRC+) with seven homers in 165 PA upon returning and performed each place however first, catcher, and pitcher.

Thomas loved a pleasant little breakout in his age-27 season, hitting .268/.315/.468 whereas setting profession highs in BA (.268), SLG (.468), wRC+ (109), homers (28) and steals (20). Although his strikeout and stroll charges moved within the incorrect instructions (to five.3% and 25.8%), he dealt with fastballs higher than ever, and his high quality of contact improved markedly; his 9.6% barrel charge put him within the sixtieth percentile, up from the thirty seventh percentile in 2022. He was a bit subpar defensively in proper area, however his 2.8 WAR greater than doubled his earlier season’s mark.

Wooden, a second spherical choose in 2021 who was a key piece within the Soto commerce, simply positioned sixth on our High 100 checklist. The 21-year-old lefty is a 6-foot-6 behemoth with elite uncooked energy and plus velocity, however important contact considerations; in a season cut up between Excessive- and Double-A, he hit .336/.393/.571 with 26 homers in 549 PA however struck out 31.5% of the time and notably struggled towards changeups. He’ll probably begin the 12 months within the minors, as will Crews, the second choose of the 2023 draft and the no. 9 prospect on our High 100; each can play middle, however the latter is the another more likely to find yourself there. The 22-year-old righty hit .292/.377/.467 (135 wRC+) with 5 homers in 159 PA at three stops, although he slugged simply .278 on the final of them (Double-A Harrisburg, in 85 PA).

After a career-best season that includes a 124 wRC+, 2.5 WAR, and 29 homers with the Brewers in 2022, Renfroe sank to a 92 wRC+ with 0.6 WAR and 20 homers with the Angels and Reds in ’23. He struggled mightily towards four-seamers, declining from .547 to .372 when it comes to slugging proportion, and his total high quality of contact fell off, along with his 6.1% barrel charge and 38.8% hard-hit charge every representing drops of just below 5 proportion factors. Now he’s on to his seventh group in six seasons, maybe hoping to hit his option to his eighth someday in July.

Talking of deadline offers, Velázquez is a 25-year-old righty acquired from the Cubs in a below-the-radar commerce on July 31. He’s received large energy and massive contact points, as his 17 homers, 21.4% barrel charge, and 28.5% strikeout charge in 179 PA attest; he hit .235/.302/.586 (132 wRC+). He’ll see further time at DH and elsewhere within the outfield. Gentry is a 25-year-old righty whose inventory fell as he slipped from a 146 wRC+ at Double-A to a 103 at Triple-A. To quote Eric Longenhagen, he’s “a well-rounded participant with principally common instruments (apart from his glorious arm)… [who] continues to challenge because the smaller half of a nook outfield platoon.” Frazier is a lefty-swinging utilityman who set a profession excessive with 13 homers final 12 months, although his 93 wRC+ represented his fourth 12 months out of 5 of below-average manufacturing.

Final 12 months, 9 gamers frolicked in proper area for the Rockies, combining for -1.3 WAR and a 71 wRC+. Bouchard accounted for 3 of their 18 homers in simply 12 video games, hitting .316/.372/.684 (160 wRC+) in 43 PA total. He’s a going-on-28-year-old, righty-swinging 40-FV prospect with plus energy and above-average velocity and protection. Whereas there’s concern about his contact skill, any optimistic contribution could be welcome even when he does match his large league 32.6% strikeout charge.

Regardless of dropping two months to a fractured proper hand, Blackmon completed with a 105 wRC+, his first time above league common since 2019. He hit .279/.363/.440 however with simply eight homers in 413 PA; although he produced extra fly balls than grounders for the primary time since 2016, his contact was meek, with an 86.4 mph common exit velo and a 4.9% barrel charge. Given his dismal defensive metrics, his 0.8 WAR was bolstered by his enjoying proper area simply 30 occasions, and DHing in 61 video games. Of the remaining, Jones, their common left fielder, is a going-on-26-year-old lefty who produced a 135 wRC+ with 3.7 WAR as a rookie. Goodman is a 24-year-old prospect with 70-grade uncooked energy however a weak spot for chasing sliders; he clubbed 34 homers and slugged .580 at Double- and Triple-A earlier than scuffling to the tune of a 48 wRC+ in 77 PA with the Rockies. Bryant, their costly, disappointing first baseman and occasional outfielder, is coming off a -1.2 WAR season. That WAR whole occurs to match what the 25-year-old Toglia posted in 152 PA in Coors final 12 months, although he managed a batting line that was about league common at Triple-A.

Fletcher, a 26-year-old lefty, hit effectively at each minor league cease earlier than batting .301/.350/.441 in 102 PA for the Diamondbacks, who traded him to the White Sox simply earlier than camp opened. The White Sox plan for him to be the lengthy half of a platoon right here, however he’s a 40 FV prospect whose hit and energy instruments are fringy at finest; his grounder-heavy batted ball information doesn’t help him sustaining that productiveness. Dan Szymborski put him on this 12 months’s Busts checklist whereas noting his zStats slash line for final 12 months’s stint was simply .249/.290/.376.

Not that Chicago’s different choices right here look promising. Pillar, a 35-year-old righty, is the logical platoon associate, however he collapsed to a .228/.248/.416 (71 wRC+) line with the Braves and has hit for simply an 88 wRC+ towards lefties since 2021. Sheets, a 27-year-old lefty, hit simply .203/.267/.331 (61 wRC+) with -1.4 WAR and has proven he’s no outfielder primarily based on his metrics. The ever-fragile Jiménez performed simply 14 video games within the area final 12 months however sank to a 105 wRC+ and 0.4 WAR even whereas totaling 489 PA. Colás, a 25-year-old lefty, received his first style of main league motion 4 years after his temporary tastes of the highest stage in Cuba and Japan. He chased 44.1% of pitches exterior the zone and hit .216/.257/.314 with -1.3 WAR. Good grief.

Castellanos has grow to be a perennial Alternative Stage Killer. Miscast for granted fielder given the Phillies’ different DH choices, he’s put up abysmal defensive metrics (-13.3 UZR, -9 DRS, -6 RAA final 12 months) which have undermined his intermittent offensive contributions. Final 12 months, he hit .272/.311/.476 (109 wRC+) whereas setting profession highs in each his strikeout and swinging-strike charges (27.6% and 18.7%, respectively). If the Phillies cared about protection, they’d put a more proficient fielder – Pache, Merrifield, Marsh — on the market as soon as in awhile, however now we have ample proof that’s a once-a-fortnight event.

Amid a meniscus tear and proper elbow irritation, Pache performed simply 48 main league video games, however for as soon as he made an sufficient displaying on the plate, reducing his chase charge to 27.6%, barreling a career-high 6.9% of batted balls, and hitting .238/.319/.417; his 99 wRC+ was 65 factors increased than in 2022. He’s out of choices, but when he exhibits indicators of replicating that, he’ll have a job someplace. Marsh turned in a 125 wRC+ because the Phillies’ common middle fielder and occasional dabbler within the corners. The versatile, contact-oriented Merrifield’s 93 wRC+ with the Blue Jays final 12 months was his highest mark since 2020. He stays extra of a base stealing menace than an influence one, as his 26 steals and 11 homers attest.

Seven years after the Phillies made him the highest choose in 2016, Moniak lastly established himself with a season of extremes. Swinging at practically every little thing inside the 714 space code — severely, he had a 48.8% chase charge — Moniak in some way maintained a .397 BABIP, overcoming a 2.8% stroll charge and 35% strikeout charge to hit .280/.307/.495 (114 wRC+). Whereas he didn’t hit the ball onerous with nice consistency, he linked for 14 homers in simply 323 PA because of a excessive pull charge and a 12.6% barrel charge. He took 51 of his 77 begins in middle area amid Mike Trout’s absence, however figures to occupy the lengthy half of a platoon in proper. Whether or not he can come near sustaining that breakout is one other matter.

As for his platoon parter, it doesn’t communicate effectively of the 24-year-old Adell’s standing that he performed simply 17 video games for the Halos final 12 months, down from 88 in 2023, or that they signed the switch-hitting Hicks in January regardless of Adell being out of choices. Adell struck out 40.3% of the time final 12 months, hit simply .207/.258/.448 (86 wRC+) in 62 PA, misplaced two months to an indirect pressure, and now owns a 70 wRC+ in 619 PA strewn over 4 seasons. Hicks caught on with Baltimore after being launched by Yankees, who nonetheless owed him $27.6 million; he hit .275/.381/.425 (129 wRC+) in 236 PA as an Oriole, crushing lefties and ending with a 109 wRC+ total.