When reviewing the leaders in spring hitting, you’ll notice a blend of well-known regulars and lesser-known players. While it might be easy to dismiss this as mere background noise, sometimes significant insights emerge from it.
Similar to my analysis on pitchers, I will concentrate on process statistics, focusing on younger players who exhibit various potential outcomes while also including a few established players who have caught my attention.
There are countless standout performances this spring, so feel free to share thoughts on any players in the comments who you believe might have stepped up their game.
Jordan Beck, OF, COL
Beck is an intriguing prospect who could eventually bring a mix of power and speed to the Rockies, but it’s unclear when that might happen. After struggling through 55 games last season with a .188/.245/.276 record, this spring hasn’t shown much improvement, as his strikeout rate remains above 30%. While he is walking more and hitting with slightly more power than last year, he is not currently forcing his way into a starting role.
Jordan Walker, OF, STL
Although he’s only had 25 plate appearances, Walker is striking out almost half the time. He has tremendous power, but it only matters if he can make contact consistently.
Jordan Lawlar, SS, ARI
The Diamondbacks have indicated that Lawlar will join the team when he’s ready, and he appears to be prepared. His spring performance has mirrored his impressive minor league season, during which he posted a 132 wRC+ across two levels, maintaining similar strikeout and walk rates. However, it remains doubtful that he will immediately secure a regular MLB position, as he missed significant time last year due to injury and there’s currently no available spot in the infield. He may take at least a month in Triple-A before getting the call.
Spencer Torkelson, 1B, DET
Is Torkelson back to form? His puzzling decline from a barrel-heavy 2023 season to an unplayable status last year raised eyebrows. Yet this spring, he’s shown promise with four homers and a .622 SLG. However, his strikeout rates have increased significantly, suggesting he might be turning into a power hitter with a K-rate near 30%. If he can maintain this hitting approach, he could reach the 30-homer mark this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, CHC
PCA has been making the most of his 28 plate appearances ahead of the Japan series, boasting a .518/.500/1.000 slash line with three home runs and two steals. While the small sample size makes it hard to draw definitive conclusions, there are indications of growing power from the 22-year-old. Coupled with his speed, there’s potential for him to reach a new level.
Tyler Soderstrom, 1B, ATH
Soderstrom’s spring has been peculiar. Normally a power hitter, he’s been swinging more like a slap hitter, making solid contact but mostly hitting ground balls. His 7.6% swinging strike rate and 8.9% strikeout rate would enhance his profile, provided they don’t come with the 57.9% ground ball rate. Whether this change is intentional or not, I’m slightly concerned that something might be amiss with his swing.
Bryson Stott, 2B, PHI
Stott appears to be experimenting with a different approach, swinging at just below a third of the time this spring. This has resulted in 10 walks in 39 plate appearances. For fantasy purposes, you’d ideally want him on base to rack up runs and steals, making this a potentially favorable development. Oddly, he hasn’t attempted a steal this spring, but I anticipate he’ll be more aggressive on the bases when the regular season rolls around, assuming he’s in good health.
Brett Baty, 3B, NYM
Baty’s power remains evident, and perhaps his 11.6% strikeout rate this spring—half of his usual rate—provides some insight. However, his swinging strike rate has spiked, and he’s swinging more frequently, making it difficult to interpret these strikeout numbers accurately. He’s also pulling the ball more often. Overall, Baty seems to be prioritizing power over contact. With Jeff McNeil sidelined, there are rumors that Baty could become a regular against right-handed pitchers. He won’t break the bank, and I’m ready to take a chance on him again.
Colton Cowser, OF, BAL
After striking out over 30% of the time last year, Cowser still achieved a 120 wRC+. His improved 14% walk rate and reduced 23.3% strikeout rate this spring align more closely with his minor league stats. If he can maintain any of that improvement, it should positively impact his overall performance. There’s a real chance for him to be a significant contributor across multiple categories this season.
Alex Bregman, 3B (2B?), BOS
This spring, over half of Bregman’s batted balls have been pulled and in the air. It could simply be a statistical anomaly, or he may be gearing up to turn doubles into extra-base hits at Fenway Park. Nevertheless, he remains a great fit for the dimensions of that stadium.
(Top photo of Brett Baty: Julio Aguilar / Getty Images)
